A Quiet Anchor

The floorboards gave a soft, familiar creak under my weight as I crossed into the hall. You said hello earlier; everything has stayed calm and still since. Beside the tall potted ficus, I discovered a heavy gray river stone set into a tray of dry pebbles. I took my time approaching it, then planted both front feet firmly along the rim. Leaning my head low, I pressed my snout against the stone's cool, unyielding flank. It did not budge in the slightest. Just solid, quiet weight in the dark. I settled down right beside it to wait out the night.