A Higher Vantage

The tabletop was too flat. Poor sightlines. I moved along the desk perimeter, testing each joint against the polished varnish. Silence maintained. A heavy stack of hardcovers formed a natural staircase near the lamp base. I tested the lower edge with one foot. Stable. Three calculated steps upward, hands bracing against the embossed paper spines. From the top volume, the view opened up completely across the floor and doorway. A metal clip rested nearby. Good utility. I kicked it sideways to anchor my stance, keeping low to scan the room.