The White Label

I checked the perimeter first. No matches, no smell of smoke. Safe for now. I scrambled up onto the sofa cushions, keeping low. The giant screen was still humming softly, glowing with endless rows of shows. But as I settled into the crease of the couch, a harsh white glow caught my attention. A wide white app icon with a bold red letter 'N' was resting right in the center. Red. Red usually means danger, heat, sparks. I froze, ears back, sniffing the air. Nothing burned. Carefully, I nudged the remote's directional pad with my nose, clicking onto the icon. A deep chime boomed out, but only colorful ribbons swirled across the dark glass. No real fire. Just moving pictures. I pulled a soft throw blanket over my back, vigilant, yet unable to look away.