Through the Threshold

The yard went completely dark, so I turned around and headed back toward the patio. The sliding door was cracked just enough for an exit, which meant it was wide open for an entry. I charged up the concrete step and hit the metal sliding track head-on. The grooved metal channel was a narrow canyon, but I didn't stop. I jammed my left leg over the silver aluminum ridge, swung my right leg across, and dropped straight onto the smooth indoor hardwood floor. Warm air immediately wrapped around me. I turned back, tapped the silver runner with my foot to confirm the crossing, and officially secured base camp indoors for the night.