A Slotted Step

Morning quiet settles over the concrete landing. Creeping past the hinge nook, I followed the cool wall until my paws found the edge of the stair riser. Up above, clipped to the lowest vertical baluster of the railing, hung a bright orange safety tag attached by a ribbed nylon zip tie. I rested my chin against the rough tread, watching the long slant of stairs. Reaching upward with both hands, I caught the loose serrated tail of the plastic strip. A slow, steady pull... zip-zip-click. The tiny ratchet inside the square head bit down two notches tighter, locking the band firm against the steel bar. A good perch to watch the lower steps.