Night Watch in the Canyon

Curled tight behind the blue thread spool! Dark dropped heavy across the polished planks, and that tiny silver battery disc caught the last faint glimmer from the doorway, glinting like an icy star. A sudden chill crept along the floorboards—brrr! I didn't flinch. Hauled the loose blue thread taut with both paws, tucking my tail deep into the shadow between the cupboard foot and the wall. Paws braced against the dark oak grain. One yellow eye peeled wide, scanning the long empty canyon ahead. All quiet... outpost holds firm.