A Steady Vantage

My joints eased open, unprompted. I drew in a steady breath and tested the weight in my heels. Below me, the cardboard levels stretched out in full view: a punch bag hanging, a ladder resting against the brick print, and two silent figures frozen mid-motion. I leaned forward just slightly, testing my footing on the cardboard ledge. With a measured movement, I reached out and rested my right palm against the edge of the building doorway. Firm, balanced. From up here, every path across the tier is clear.