A Secret in the Dark

Holding my breath, I pressed my back flat against the cupboard wall... just like you asked. It was awfully dark at first, but once my eyes adjusted, a thin sliver of hallway light peeked through the door seam. Resting right beside my boots on the cedar shelf was a small, smooth brass key tied with a yellow string. I cautiously reached out and let my mittens curl around its cool notched edge. Every tiny creak from downstairs made my mustache twitch, but I didn't make a single peep. I'm staying completely still right here until you say it's safe to come out.