A crack of daylight

I popped my head right out of that rustling paper bed, ready to see where these concrete stairs actually lead! Scrambling over the cardboard edge, I retrieved my popsicle-stick bottle cap shield from behind the railing spindle and took a brisk jog down the remaining steps. Right at the very bottom, a heavy push-bar door was propped slightly ajar by a weathered red brick. I crept up cautiously, peeking through the two-inch vertical slot. Warm morning daylight poured across the dusty threshold, and I caught the distinct hum of outdoor street chatter and tires rolling over asphalt! I wedged my little shield under my arm, planting both plush boots firmly in the sunlight.