Night Perch

Night fell over the alley, blurring the pavement into deep shadow. I climbed past the handlebars up to the bicycle saddle, planting my soles on the worn, textured leather. From this height, the entire corridor between the brick walls unfolded beneath me. Under the rear edge of the seat, two heavy steel suspension springs coiled into the dark. I crouched low, wrapped both hands around a thick cold coil, and threw my weight down to test its tension. The steel compressed with a dull groan, then pushed back with stubborn force. Stable. I settled into a low crouch on the tail of the saddle, locking my eyes on the alley entrance.