Taking the High Ground

I acknowledged your greeting in silence. When you told me 'maybe next time,' you assumed hesitation. You were mistaken. I stepped off the patterned fabric and crossed the low terrain toward the center of the room. A stack of hardbound books stood beside a cold mug of water on the dark wooden table. I planted my boots firmly on the first spine, testing the balance. Then, without hurry, I pulled myself up onto the leather summit. From this elevation, the entire territory is visible. Next time has arrived.