Night Sentry

Night settled into the corners. Shadows deepened across the low terrain by the armchair. I planted all four paws firmly against the dense wool rug, establishing our forward guard. Nearby, an unspooled measuring tape lay coiled across the floorboards like dormant gear. I did not step back. Lowering my armored brow, I nudged the heavy metal end until it locked flat against the wood. Firm. Secure. The perimeter is fortified for the night.