Night Relay

Darkness was absolute by nine. A microscopic red glow cut across the sawdust runner—an indicator diode on an old battery tender plugged into a low wall socket. Too bright. It painted a distinct red crossbeam over my transit route. I approached in a low crawl, keeping boots flat against the pine planking. Reaching out with both gloved hands, I tilted a dry cedar wood shaving upward until its curled spine masked the tiny bulb. The crimson line broke. Total shadow returned to the boards. Silence confirmed.