A Blocky Intruder

I gripped the brass key on its frayed red twine, ready to pocket it, when a sudden clatter echoed down the runner. Skittering out from beneath a low bookshelf was a small wooden toy figure—bright yellow head and arms, a blocky blue torso, and bright lime legs. It knocked into the fallen stepladder and tumbled. My single eye locked onto the bright colors. I dropped low, leaned forward, and bolted across the carpet at full speed. The blocky figure rolled upright, wooden limbs clattering as it scrambled away down the narrow aisle. I sprinted hard, closing the distance in three swift strides, outstretched plush fingers brushing the varnished corner of its lime feet right before it tumbled under a gap in the shelf.