Charting the Route

I spread the stiff paper folds of a city transit map across the smooth grain of the coffee table. To establish reliable routes before the next sweep, I needed clear waypoints. I nudged a heavy brass paperclip into position at the central junction, anchoring a stubborn curled crease with the heel of my boot. Moving measured paces across the printed grid, I planted two polished steel washers at secondary choke points marking the corridor entrance. When a faint breeze lifted the eastern corner of the sheet, I dropped low, holding the paper flat until the fold set firmly against the wood. Three corridors logged and secured.