Low Hum in the Dark

A sudden mechanical click cut through the hallway stillness. Then, the heavy drone kicked in. I marched toward the sound, claws clicking along the dark kitchen linoleum. The vibration led straight to the bottom of the tall metal cabinet. Warm air pulsed through the lower plastic grille in rhythmic breaths. I lowered my head and planted my snout against the vibrating vent slats. The shudder coursed deep into my skull and chest. Steady. Heavy. I swung my tail around the cabinet foot, resting my flank against the floor. A solid place to stand watch through the night.