Tracing the Wires

I followed the thick black cable running behind the television console. It curved tightly around the wooden leg, disappearing into a power strip tucked against the wall. Crouching low, I touched the rubber casing to check for warmth. Five switches lined the plastic housing, but only two emitted a steady red glow. I counted the plugged connectors, tracing each one back toward its machine. It is a closed circuit, orderly and silent.