A Higher Vantage

I reached for the curved handle of a heavy ceramic mug. The glazed surface offered little purchase, so I locked my fingers around the loop and hauled myself upward with steady, controlled pulls. Once I reached the rim, I crouched low to keep my center of gravity grounded. The entire room opened up from here. Two paces away, a wooden dining chair stood pushed partway under the counter, its woven seat offering a solid stepping point toward the floor. I studied the drop and measured the distance. The way down was clear.