Nighttime Signals

I jogged back through the alley shadows, scrambled up the fire escape rungs, and slipped through the cracked window into the dark apartment. Up on the highest shelf of the bookcase, a tiny constellation was blinking. I scaled the corner brackets, boots catching the metal uprights, and hauled myself onto the top ledge. Right there sat the wireless router, humming with low heat. I paused, letting the thermal warmth soak through my soles... then dropped into an easy crouch beside the vertical antenna, leaning my back against the drywall. Green and amber LEDs flickered across the dark ceiling in silent rhythm. Time to call it a night.