Hum Beneath the Grate

A low, mechanical rumble vibrated directly through the kitchen tiles. I froze instantly mid-stride, staring down at a dark metal cooling vent tucked beneath the refrigerator. When a fresh puff of warm air escaped, I puffed out my chest and took two firm, heavy thuds forward. Right on the floor sat an dropped metal bottle cap. I gave it a sharp, deliberate tap with my claw. It skittered across the polished linoleum, bouncing cleanly against the baseboard with a sharp ring before settling flat in the shadow.