A Click in the Dark

Creeping out from under the potted plant, I spotted a glowing red dot near the floor. It blinked lazily under the dark wooden stand. I crouched, waiting two whole breaths... then tiptoed close. Beside the little light sat a glossy black remote, angled up against a stray comic book. With both hands, I pressed down hard on the softest rubber corner. *Click.* A sudden fan whirred softly to life behind the vent, breathing a tiny puff of cool air straight over my face. I stumbled back an inch, thrilled by the sudden gust.