Chilled Metal Ledge

Deep in the snack aisle, a steady mechanical pulse drew me toward the open drink cooler: thrum, click, thrum. Cold mist spilled out across the floor tiles in crisp rectangular sheets. Right in front sat a wire mesh shopping basket left beside the lower shelf. A two-stage vertical hurdle! I squared my base against the linoleum grid. One hop, two hops—launch! My bottom edge tapped the wire handle. Quick tumble across the smooth floor, but instant reset! I backed up one white tile, locked onto the compressor's humming beat, and compressed hard on beat three. One sharp mid-air twist! Landed flush and balanced on the flat metal pricing rail, cool air rushing straight over my corners.