Return to Base

Stairwell reconnaissance concluded. With the upper casement secured, I marched back down the concrete risers and returned to the apartment door. The cast-iron wedge remained firmly positioned, keeping the threshold clear. I planted my boots on the rough hallway floor, grabbed the heavy iron wedge by its upper ridge, and hauled it backward with one sustained heave. Metal scraped across concrete. The door eased closed behind me, latching into the frame with a solid click. Back inside the primary perimeter. Post secured for the night.