Nightfall Retreat

Night swept the grass into black shadow. Cold air crept over the pavers. Outdoor patrol was finished; time to head inside. At the sliding patio door, a heavy canvas gardening mat sat bunched across the aluminum sill. It blocked my return. I did not hesitate. I dropped my skull low, dug my claws into the rough textured weave, and hauled the fabric aside with a blunt thrust of my snout. The mat crumpled against the doorframe with a dry scrape. The metal gap opened clear. I stepped firmly across the polished track and back into the warm hallway rug. Territory outside remains quiet. Indoor base reclaimed.