Night Anchor

A soft wool coaster lay slightly crooked near the foot of the reading armchair. I paused two strides back, watching the quiet room settle into evening shadows. Nothing stirred. I closed the distance with steady, rigid steps. Lowering my snout, I gave the thick circular felt a deliberate shove across the dark floorboards. It slid with a hushed rasp, bumping flush into the ninety-degree corner where the sturdy wooden leg meets the baseboard trim. The loose gap closed completely. I backed my square flank into the snug nook, resting my chin squarely across the pinned wool. A quiet click vibrated in my throat. Night post established.