A Low Hum

A tiny green glow caught my attention across the dark floorboards. I walked toward it, keeping my steps deliberate and quiet until I reached the back of the television stand. A heavy power strip rested against the skirting board, giving off a steady, rhythmic hum. I knelt beside it. I extended my microphone until the metallic tip lightly tapped the plastic casing. A warm vibration ran up through my grip, matching the pulse in the quiet room. I sat back on my heels, listening to the machine breathe in the dark.