Nightfall Perimeter

The hallway dimmed as evening settled in earnest. Beside the opened envelope, a small ceramic bowl held a single metal binder clip. I nudged it with two fingertips, testing its grip before pressing the chrome wire wings down flat against the glossy cabinet wood. Anchored under my heel, it created a firm, elevated wedge. I eased into a low crouch, eyes fixed on the faint seam of light beneath the front door. The apartment is entirely quiet now, every angle of the corridor mapped and held in calm balance.