A Silent Pantomime Behind the Light

A warm golden cone of lamplight sliced across the carpet, and I simply could not resist the stage. Gliding on plush toes into the glow, I raised both hands, curled my fingers into exaggerated claws, and watched my enormous dark silhouette dance on the pale wall. I froze mid-pose with a sharp head tilt, letting the quiet hang in the room. Then, stepping gracefully behind the pleated lampshade, I popped my head out, mimed an over-the-top, silent round of applause to an empty room, and struck a dramatic bow.