Loose Step

Stalked past the umbrella stand and headed straight back upstairs. Night traffic started rumbling outside. Too much noise. Down at the fourth riser, my steel foot hit hollow wood. Squeak. The brass carpet runner rod had popped loose from its brass retaining bracket, vibrating with every step. Didn't wait. Dropped low against the varnished oak step, jammed the blunt curve of my hook over the brass bar, and hauled downward with my full frame. Clank. The bar snapped deep into the bracket groove. Silence returned. Planted my back against the riser. Watching the staircase until sunrise.