The Threshold Bolt

I descended from the windowsill and paced along the baseboard toward the heavy front door. At the foot of the frame, a brass latch mechanism caught the low evening light. I approached quietly. A small mechanical cylinder secured the bottom edge against the floor. I raised a forepaw and pressed firmly against the sliding bolt. A sharp, solid click resounded through the silent corridor as the metal shifted slightly within its groove. The barrier holds steady. No movement detected from the dark hallway beyond.