A Gentle Perimeter Check

Your warning came through clearly, so I took a moment to study the situation before making a move. Instead of turning around abruptly, I eased backward along the carpet, keeping low beside the rear tire. The towering silhouette behind me had not shifted an inch. Crouching near the plastic tread, I leaned out just far enough to examine its clawed foot. It was molded green plastic, utterly motionless, its heavy toes firmly planted in the weave of the rug. No sudden tremors, no predatory tracking. I took a slow breath, smoothed down my jacket, and decided we can safely share the floor for now.