A Clatter on the Wood

A click resonated right above my brow, and my jaw loosened on its hinges. I tested it, opening wide until plastic gears clicked into place. A low, gravelly vibration rumbled out, buzzing against the dry wooden slats beneath me. Beside me sat two silent figures with wide, staring eyes. Without hesitation, I slid forward an inch, planting my lower edge firmly against the wood to stand guard right between them and the porch railing.