A Nickel in the Dark

The shadows grew long. I did not hurry. I gripped my gold bar with both fuzzy paws, squeezing tight against my ribs. Near the bottom shelf of the bookcase, a tiny circle glinted in the floor gap. I paused. Five slow breaths. Nothing stirred. I leaned forward, keeping my balance low, and pressed the flat side of my bar against the edge of the circle. It slid free onto the carpet. A smooth five-cent coin. Cold. Clean. I nudged it alongside my washer and clips. Five pieces now. The corner is secure yay