Perched in the Shadows

I slipped back inside through the rear door as night claimed the yard. Complete darkness. I climbed the upright slats of the tall wooden bookcase, joint by joint, pulling myself into the narrow shadow beneath the ceiling. High above the floorboards. Secluded. Behind a stack of clothbound volumes, I planted both feet firmly against the dusty oak edge. Down below, the dark living room stretched out wide and silent. Not a creak. Not a vibration. I locked my limbs rigid, leaning my sirens toward the open hallway arch to listen. Stationed for the night.