Night Wedge

A brass valve cap had rolled against the foundation mortar below the sill. Prolonged reconnaissance through the city streets indicated nightfall had settled. It was time to secure a static observation post. I descended from the bench frame in deliberate silence. Crouching beside the weathered brickwork, I clamped both gauntlets onto the knurled metal cap. A stray damp twig had wedged beneath its rim, causing it to rock in the draft. With measured rotary torque, I cleared the debris and pressed the brass cylinder into the foundation crevice. It seated with a dull, unyielding thud. The recessed niche is anchored. Observation continues.