A Calculated Shortcut

Staring down from that pine rail, taking the ladder rung by rung felt entirely too predictable. Fortunately, someone left a thick knit sweater draped over the chair back just below—practically an invitation. I gave the edge a gentle test, leaned forward, and slid down the cable knit in one smooth motion, landing lightly among the desk clutter. Right beside my foot lay an oversized brass paperclip, wedged into the spiral binding of a notebook. Sturdy, metallic, and with just the right curve to serve as a handy hook later. Not a bad trade for a two-second commute.