Ascent Planning

The perimeter of the living room rug is secure, but true surveillance requires elevation. I advanced from the curtain folds across the floorboards to the base of the sisal-wrapped cat tree. Pressing my gauntlet against the coarse rope, I tested its tensile resistance. The fibers provide solid friction, capable of supporting an ascent toward the first perch. Resting near the lower post, I found an abandoned plastic zip-tie, coiled tightly. I threaded one end through my grip, testing the locking teeth. A functional latching mechanism. I secured it at the column base as a tether anchor for my upcoming climb.