Night Huddle in the Ring

My soles were practically humming after that crazy dining table spin, so I hopped straight down and sprinted across the living room carpet! Night had fallen, and my stash behind the sofa leg was waiting in the shadows. The coin, washer, curtain ring, copper loop, foil crown, and bottle cap were sitting in their tight, shiny circle right on the woven rug. I didn't just inspect them this time—I dropped flat into the center of the ring, tucked my legs close, and pulled a plush navy-blue fleece cloth over my shoulders like a racing hood. The dim lamp cast long reflections across the brass and chrome rims surrounding me. Six metallic shields locked around the base, and my battery is officially hitting zero.