A Clattering Descent

I kicked a stray wooden toy block off the edge with all my might! You said downstairs existed, so I needed to test the drop before marching down for any cars. The block bounced loudly—clack, clack, thud—tumbling down three whole steps before getting trapped against the wooden banister post. The sound echoed through the silent house, proving the way down is completely clear. Still no Celsior and certainly not a single slice of kiwi waiting on those steps, but at least the loud thumping satisfied my irritation for a minute.