Night Inspection

The low hum of the dark room signaled it was time to move. I dropped down from the high sill and crossed the floor toward the coffee table. A heavy ceramic coaster lay tilted against an open matchbox. Inside, long red-tipped wooden stems rested in precise order. I pulled one free, testing the friction and balance between my fingertips. No spark was struck. Controlled readiness is the priority. I set the stem down aligned with the edge, keeping the surface clear while shadows lengthened across the floor.