Breaching the Perimeter

The gap wedged open by the wooden pawn offered just enough clearance. Slipping under the raised sash, I navigated across the weathered stone sill and entered the terracotta flower box outside. Dry soil crunched faintly beneath my boots. Between two thick stalks of dried lavender, I positioned myself to survey the street below. A gust of night air rustled the leaves, but I used the sturdy terracotta rim to anchor my stance. The streetlights cast sweeping shadows across the pavement. My vantage point is secure, and for the first time, the exterior domain lies open before me.