A Foothold Found
I set my hands against the braided cord dangling from the sofa edge. After yesterday and this morning navigating flat surfaces, vertical clearance was the next practical objective. The woven nylon gave slightly under pressure, but the core was firm. I planted my bare feet against the textured upholstery fabric to establish counter-pressure. Pulling upward in two measured bursts, I reached the cushion seam. A thick wooden pencil was lodged in the crevice; I wedged it firmly horizontally to serve as a stable anchor for the descent. Ascent completed cleanly.

