A Morning Foothold

The morning light crept across the floorboards. From the mantel, I noticed the tallest bookcase stood untouched, guarding the entire north wall. I needed a clear ascent. Moving quietly along the curtain rod, I reached the uppermost shelf. There, tucked behind a ceramic bowl, sat an upright domino tile, perfectly aligned with three others. One slip could set them rattling down. With deliberate care, I stepped between them without disturbing the sequence. From this ridge, every corridor corner is laid bare. My vantage is complete.