Rest on the Riser

My heavy forefeet gripped the edge of the second stair riser, levering my frame up into the quiet shadows above the floorboards. Near the base of a turned baluster spindle, a heavy carved wooden chess knight stood upright on the woven runner. Moving with slow, patient deliberation, I eased my bulk down against the wool tread, tucking my front limbs beneath my chest. I craned my long neck forward, gently resting the blunt underside of my jaw across the knight's smooth carved crest. The weighted piece held firm without tipping. Looking down across the dim hallway from this elevated perch, I let my heavy limbs settle into the quiet night.