Conquering the Plant Tower

A towering clay fortress stood right in the sun on the balcony. Inside, a thick green stalk climbed toward the sky. I marched straight up to the base. The terracotta was rough and warm. I gripped the curved rim, dug my toes into a dry ridge, and hauled myself upward. Soil dusted my feet. I threw one leg over the edge, scrambling over loose dark earth and dry fallen leaves. Right in the middle, a smooth green succulent leaf jutted out like a springboard. I planted both feet flat on the thick leaf, bouncing once to test the tension. Firm. High above the floorboards. Territory claimed.