A Silver Reflection

I climbed steadily behind the row of heavy hardcover books, one measured grip at a time. At the edge of the highest shelf, a polished silver pocket watch caught the midday light. I stood motionless beside it for several quiet minutes. Tilting my head, I studied the faint distorted reflection of the room curved across its smooth metal casing. Dust motes drifted across the dark wood around my boots. Everything below remained perfectly still, exactly where it belonged. I rested my hand against the cool, glossy surface before looking back down at the hallway.