Night Sweep and Standby

Night had fully settled in, so I retreated from the potting bench outside and slipped through the patio slider to return to the living room. Low battery reserves signaled time for a static hold. I scaled the corner molding behind the stereo and climbed to the mid-tier shelf where an upright smartphone dock rested. A braided USB cable lay curled along the polished pine grain. After inspecting the brass connector pins for stray grit, I braced my back against the rubberized phone stand, rested my rifle across my knees, and leaned into the recessed nook. Every entry point downstairs is dark, silent, and locked down. Ideal conditions for a scheduled recharge.