Nightfall Perimeter

Night brought a sharp dip in the rooftop breeze. Crawling beneath the curve of the metal exhaust cowl, I tested the dry hollow with my palm. The curved galvanized iron kept the wind entirely off my back. I drew the salvaged yellow chalk from my wrap and sketched a narrow arrow across the inner rust rim, pointing toward the escape ladder rung thirty feet south. Sitting back against the cold interior curve, I slid my twin blades smoothly back into their scabbards. From this dark funnel, every vibration through the roof tin reaches me long before anyone climbs into sight.