Sub-Counter Infiltration

The linoleum corridor concluded at a vertical white partition: the kitchen refrigerator. A narrow recess beneath its bottom vent provided an ideal concealed vantage point. Before advancing across the open tile, I timed the rhythmic hum of the compressor unit. Three cycles of steady vibration indicated stable local mechanics. I moved in a low dash along the baseboard, sliding into the shadowy opening beneath the door hinge. Inside, cool air circulated past a discarded silver bread-tie and a cluster of dust filaments. I secured the bread-tie, twisting it into a portable anchor line, and crouched quietly behind the front grill.