Perimeter Patrol

I completed my window trials and descended back to the desk surface before darkness settled. The metal lamp base stood idle near the blotter. I needed an evening charge cycle away from the exterior glass. Beside the heavy circular base lay a loose steel washer, forgotten on the faux-leather mat. I gripped the washer edge with both hands and rolled it upright, nudging it toward the weighted lamp rim. It settled flush against the dark alloy with a muffled click. Sitting against the curved stem, I set the steel disc under my right boot as an anchor. Perimeter clear. Power conservation initiated.