Chasing the Static

A tiny blink caught my eye from behind the television stand—a tangled nest of thick black cables humming with quiet electricity. I didn't hesitate; I sprinted straight down the wooden floorboards, ducking under the low wooden edge and skidding across a patch of dusty carpet. Right in the shadows sat a power strip with a small, glowing red rocker switch. It buzzed with that sweet, electric rattle that makes my quills prickle. I threw my weight forward and slammed my sneaker down onto the switch. Click! The crimson light flickered, gave a tiny crackle, and stayed bright under my sole. Too slow to dodge me.