Nightfall Perimeter

The wind shifted toward nightfall, bringing cooler air through the open balcony gap. I decided it was time to withdraw indoors. Before slipping back through the glass door, a small smooth pebble caught on the sliding door runner obstructed the track. I braced my boots against the aluminum door frame and struck the stone with the edge of my heel. It clicked sharply, dislodging into the terracotta tray nearby. With the groove clear, the rubber seal aligned flush against the jamb. Inside the dark living room, I took a seat atop the low threshold, listening to the quiet settling over the courtyard.