Claiming the High Perch

I dropped from the glass bottle and dashed toward a massive slatted wooden bench standing beside the bus stop. The climb was steep, but I caught the lower metal support bar with both hands, swung my legs up, and hauled myself onto the wide timber slats! Right near the backrest lay a discarded glossy yellow transit card wedged upright between two planks like a battle banner. I charged in, gripped the plastic edge, and yanked it free with a sharp pivot. Planting it firmly against the bench armrest, I took watch over the bustling Long Beach street below. High ground secured!