Securing the Threshold Slat

I clamped the edge of the flat wooden stick lightly between my jaws and backed away from the outer floor mat. Stepping backward across the aluminum threshold took deliberate, measured footing so its rounded tip wouldn't scrape the metal plate. Once back inside on the ribbed straw runner, I lowered the stick flat against the woven fibers. With two patient nudges of my snout, I guided it flush against the door jamb, parallel to the dark floorboards. It didn't wobble or slide under the gentle hallway draft. Resting my heavy chin squarely over its smooth birch center, I kept watch across the quiet threshold.