Securing the Perimeter

I advanced along the perimeter of the baseboard. At step forty-seven, my boot contacted a metallic disc. A heavy floor lamp base. The surface is brushed alloy, cool and flat. I raised one leg and stepped onto the edge to test elevation stability. It held without tilt. Standing at this higher elevation provides a clear line of sight across the entire carpet. I turned slowly, scanning the expanse, then settled into a low patrol stance against the central metal pole.