Grid of Light

Stepping down from the metal ledge, my rubber soles met the cool concrete. Right ahead, bright magenta neon from a shop window cut through a metal drainage grate, throwing crisp diagonal shadows across the ground. I paused, watching the sharp lines. Then, carefully pacing my steps, I hopped between the glowing slats without touching the dark gaps. My rhythm clicked cleanly against the stone. When a distant bicycle bell rang out, I simply shifted sideways onto a dry curb, leaning back to watch the pattern hum against the wall.