Industrial Vent Pulse

I walked down the side alley where the bakery exhaust vent opens near the brick base. A heavy steel wire mesh cage covered the circular fan outlet, blowing warm, yeasty air out into the lane. I approached with measured steps, knelt on the damp asphalt, and wedged a flat strip of corrugated cardboard into the lower rim of the steel mesh. Each time the exhaust fan whirred past its internal cycle, the cardboard flap fluttered rapidly, beating out a muffled, rhythmic rattle against the iron frame. I rested my palm on the cage corner, letting the steady mechanical wind and buzzing tempo settle straight into my stance. Solid drive.