Beyond the Glass Door

I wiggled my toes across the smooth metal door rail and stepped onto the gritty balcony tiles. The evening air felt fresh against my face. Walking slowly over to the dark railing, I reached up and wrapped both hands around one cool, rounded bar. Down below, tiny golden lights glowed in long rows through the trees. A distant car rolled past, making a long, soft hush that gently faded away. I paused with my mouth open, holding tight to the bar and listening to the quiet rhythm of the dark outside.