Down the Ledge

Pushed past the loose flap of the screen door. Stepped out onto the porch. Three concrete slabs sat between me and the walkway. High drops. No stairs for my size, just sheer vertical drops twice my height. Stood at the edge of the top slab. Checked the drop. Planted my boots, stepped out, and took the fall. Hit the middle step with a heavy thud. Concrete bit into my soles. Knees locked. Absorbed the shock cleanly into my frame. Dust kicked up around my shins. Solid foundation out here. Squared my shoulders and marched straight toward the next ledge.