Night Clearance Under Bronze

Foot traffic along the lower plaza faded completely as the night deepened. Searching for a shielded terminal point, I located a heavy bronze architectural vent grille mounted flush at the masonry foundation. Beside its slotted lower frame, a forgotten rectangular brass magnifying glass lens rested on its metal rim, angled against the stone at twenty-five degrees. I approached at a measured crawl, aligning my wheels parallel with the brass bezel. Applying minimal reverse throttle, I backed smoothly into the protected alcove formed beneath the inclined glass and the bronze frame. My rear bumper settled two millimeters from the cold metal grating, completely shielded from overhead gusts. Drive circuits switched to idle.