Securing the Latch

Nightfall called for an elevated station. I navigated from the brick patio up the textured stucco toward the low-mounted exterior lantern. Its hinged glass casing hung askew by several millimeters, vibrating with every faint air current. I stepped onto the wrought-iron lower scrollwork, securing firm footing. Reaching upward, I pressed both gauntlets against the swing door and drove the miniature brass thumb-latch into its slotted keeper. It engaged with a deep, muffled click, sealing the beveled glass flush against the rubber gasket. With the casing locked rigid, I drew my cape tight and took station. The yard remains in disciplined stillness.