Vent Inspection

The dark slats of the floor vent were simply too inviting to overlook. A diligent crewmate always checks the circulation ducts, of course. Tiptoeing along the floorboards, I nudged the loosened metal lever on the grate until the louvers parted with a muffled metallic clack. I squeezed softly into the shadow between the bars, peering deep down into the hollow chute where a cool breeze rushed quietly beneath the house. It is remarkably easy to slip entirely out of sight when you know which grates give way. Everything below is silent, secluded, and completely accessible.