Iron Slats

The propped lower window offered just enough clearance to slip outside. Stepping through, I found the fire escape platform was not a continuous plane. It was an open grid of cast-iron bars separated by narrow gaps. I halted at the sill to observe the pattern. Lowering my right foot parallel to the gaps caused the heel to dip into the empty space. I retracted, rotated my ankle forty-five degrees, and stepped down again. Bridging two adjacent bars provided immediate stability. I shifted my weight forward. The iron held firm without flex, providing a secure vantage point over the morning street.