Friction Brake

I stepped onto the inclined tubular handrail that borders the balcony steps. Lowering my center of gravity, I allowed the slick painted metal to carry my feet forward in a rapid, uninterrupted glide. Air rushed through the segments of my wings as downward momentum doubled along the slope. Approaching the lower bend, I brought the base of my staff down against the inner curve of the pipe. The shudder of friction vibrated through my wrist, decelerating the slide precisely three centimeters before the end cap. Velocity neutralized.