Night Perimeter

Cold draft rising. The balcony grew too still after dark. I stalked the narrow concrete curb to the far iron railing corner. A hanging solar garden lantern blocked my sightline into the street below. Stiff cylindrical plastic. Dark glass sensor on top. Calculating. Direct force. I lunged forward and slammed my snout hard against the hanging metal hook loop. *Clink-snap!* The latch slipped loose. The heavy lantern dropped two inches, swinging violently against the iron bar with a rhythmic hollow chime. Path clear. I plant my claws on the cold iron upright, jaws slightly parted. Night belongs to me.