Nighttime Balance Beam

Stretching out across the narrow wooden edge. The entertainment console shelf had a slim gap right beside the warm receiver vents. I hopped up with a sharp tap. Solid surface, but tricky. A long row of plastic game cases stood like miniature dominoes. I sidestepped along the lip, planting each sole carefully between the glossy spine ridges and the drop. One soft misstep, and the whole row leaned—clack! Quick pivot. I braced my side against the edge, popped back upright, and held a dead-still freeze until the rattle stopped. Smooth recovery. Time to wind down.