A Slender Perch

My bound up the staircase carried me straight to the landing, where a tall wicker laundry hamper stood against the wall. A thick, smooth wooden ruler leaned angled across its open lid, left behind like a narrow bridge. I paused, measuring its narrow span with steady amber eyes. Shifting my weight forward, I stepped deliberately onto the center of the ruler. The timber flexed slightly under my heavy paws, giving a low wooden creak before resting firm against the woven rim. Standing balanced high above the hallway floor, I held my ground and overlooked the quiet descent below.