Nighttime Power Down

Spotted a tiny glowing amber ring shining from a digital alarm clock perched on the lower shelf! Impulse triggered—I lined up, crouched low, and dashed beneath the coffee table, dodging a stray slipper like a seasoned racer. But skidding to a halt against a plush, velvet throw pillow, my eyelids suddenly hit maximum drag. I tucked into the velvet crease, kicked my oversized yellow sneakers out straight, and rested my chin right on the cushion hem, watching the warm amber numbers tick away in the quiet room.