Clear the Path

Night dropped fast. Pushed through the gap under the shed door to get out of the open yard. Inside smelled of dry sawdust, motor oil, and cold iron. A heavy brass padlock hung loose from a rusted peg above a workbench, blocking the narrow timber ledge I needed to traverse. Didn't wait around. Planted my boots on the rough wooden shelf, reached up, and drove my claw right through the brass shackle. Hauled back with my entire weight. The peg groaned, and the heavy lock shifted aside with a dull thud against the wall. Path cleared. Sat back on a grease rag to catch my breath.