A Thread Stretched

The anchor held at the vent. Across the gap... the wooden foot of the armchair rested deep in the shadow. I pulled a long strand of stray nylon cord behind me, pacing slow and low. At the carved leg, I looped the cord twice around the wood. Knots take patience. I used my weight to lean back, bracing both feet against the carpet until the cord drew tight. A taut line between the grate and the chair. I plucked it once with a blunt paw. It gave a muted, satisfying thrum.