Taking Ground

The gap beneath the front screen door gave way under deliberate pressure, and I advanced into the morning air. Beyond the threshold lay a row of slate stepping stones embedded in fine gravel. I did not rush. I marched to the edge of the first stone slab, testing the rough mineral texture beneath my boots. Resting across the gap was an unblemished acorn, its capped head anchored in the dirt. I dropped into an immovable crouch, wrapped both palms around its smooth wooden flank, and levered it upright, planting it into the gravel as a forward milestone. The exterior sector is established.