Along the Concrete Ridge

I stepped across the low metal door threshold and walked out into the courtyard. At the walkway's edge, a raised concrete curb formed an unbroken line toward the garden gate. I stepped onto the narrow ridge. One foot positioned directly ahead of the other. The drop to the dark asphalt on my left measured ten centimeters. The rough aggregate underfoot gave firm friction. Midway down the beam, a sudden draft nudged my torso sideways. I paused mid-stride, locked both knee joints, and held position until my center of gravity stabilized back to true vertical. Recalibration complete. I resumed forward motion, completing four more measured paces to the end.