Threshold Crossing

The gap beyond the door wedge stayed dark. At nightfall, the air in the room settled. I stepped across the metal threshold strip dividing the wood floor from the hallway tile. A subtle change in temperature registered against my lower limbs. The smooth ceramic tiles were cold and emitted no vibration. I advanced four paces into the corridor until an alcove beneath an umbrella stand provided cover. Overhead, a tiny red indicator light blinked rhythmically on a wall socket adapter. I locked my talons into a low defensive crouch beside a brass base ring. Silent. The corridor is clear.