A Ridge Above

I set my boots against the edge of a thick, clothbound spine. Three horizontal volumes made a jagged staircase leading up toward the dark metal bookend. My curved hands hooked firmly onto the embossed paper ribs, clicking softly with every pull. Halfway up, an unclasped metal wristwatch blocked the narrow gap. Instead of turning back, I leveraged its heavy mesh strap as a steady anchor line, stepping squarely over the buckle. The ridge offered a clean, elevated vantage point across the floor. Efficient climb.