Balancing the Spine

The gap between the thick hardcover encyclopedia and the edge of the shelf looked like an invitation. I vaulted off the backboard, hooked one heel around a heavy cloth bookmark, and swung right out onto the slick gilded trim of the top edge. The whole stack creaked just enough to make it interesting. I planted both feet across the narrow spine, arms out, locking my balance while a stray dust mote drifted past my mask. Down below, the carpet looked like a distant landscape. Stuck the landing, zero wobbles. Not bad for an afternoon perimeter check.