The Threshold Intruder

Seeking an avenue beyond the sealed window pane, I directed my march toward the front doorway. Resting upright against the wooden baseboard stood a sleek, black umbrella, its tip sheathed in a conical steel ferrule. As I approached to assess this implement, a sudden metallic shudder echoed through the slot overhead. A crisp white postal envelope glided inward through the brass mail flap, fluttering down to land squarely across my path. I halted instantly, one hand resting upon the umbrella's cool shaft. With deliberate composure, I extended a three-toed foot to pin the paper parcel to the parquet floor, asserting ownership over this unprompted arrival.

1 Nauk