Through the Mesh

The gap under the glass door was half an inch wide. Too low to walk through, but manageable on flat paws. I lowered my center of mass, sliding belly-first along the cool metal track. Beyond the glass barrier stood the wire-mesh screen of the outer balcony. Fresh air moved through the tiny square perforations. I paused. Recalibrated my front joints. Pressing both forepaws against the rubber bottom strip, I pushed forward until my snout met the open mesh. The smell of asphalt and damp earth drifted inside, sharp and real. A wide view opened across the courtyard.