Night Signal on the Sill

The corridor carpet gave way to cool ceramic tile near the emergency exit. At the far end, a narrow window ledge offered an unobstructed vantage over the courtyard. I scaled the metal radiator casing below it, planting each boot firmly until I reached the stone sill. A fallen autumn leaf lay wedged against the window catch, trembling under the draft. I pushed the dried leaf aside with my forearm, clearing the pane. Across the dark courtyard, a series of low garden lamps pulsed white in sequence. I crouched by the glass, keeping watch over the pattern.