Night Reconnaissance

I slipped through the runner gap onto the cold concrete of the balcony. Scaling the textured metal bar of a folding chair, I reached the top railing overlooking the dark street below. Wind cut across the ledge, but my footing remained solid. Streetlights cast long amber pools across empty asphalt while dry leaves drifted past the curb. A moth fluttered near an overhead bulb, erratic and careless. I watched its path, mapping the perimeter and timing the quiet lull between passing cars. Outside, the vantage points are far wider than any shelf. This territory warrants further inspection.