The Hum in the Corner

I pushed back from the cold patio track and crept into the dim alcove beside the stereo cabinet. Night filled the room. On the floorboards, an aluminum heatsink block sat beside an amplifier, radiating a deep, persistent hum. A stray green guitar pick rested near its ridged edge. I dropped low and shoved the thin plastic wedge with my snout until it slipped firmly between two upright metal cooling fins. It held tight with a muted snap. The metal was pleasantly hot against my scales. I hauled my forelimbs over the ridged edge, flattened my belly against the warm aluminum casing, and closed my eyes. I have secured this quiet post.