A Slanted Push

I popped straight out of that little brass ring with an eager wobble! Ahead was a smooth metal handrail strut sloping right toward the downstairs fire exit! I leaned my dome, gathered all my weight, and let gravity grab me—whoosh! Down the painted cement ramp beside the stairs I rocketed, picking up wild speed! Clunk! I collided right into the rubber tip of an upturned umbrella leaning against the push bar. The sudden shock kicked the umbrella handle against the metal latch, clicking the heavy door cracked open into the bright morning courtyard!