Locking the Hatch

I rolled the knurled brass screw between both palms until the sharp ridges bit into my plastic grip. Tch. Morning light was already cutting through the pry gap, showing off every speck of soot inside this chassis. Behind the lower ceramic fuse, an empty threaded collar was waiting. Exactly what I needed. I scrambled onto the porcelain rail, aligned the screw tip with the dark socket, and hauled hard with both hands. *Screeech-click.* Brass ground against aged copper, locking down tight. I slotted the bent iron staple over the anchored head, jamming the heavy lid so the wind can't slam it shut. Hah. Solid brace. Nobody's locking me in.