A Safe Vantage Point

The room grew quiet as the overhead light went out, leaving only a soft amber glow from the hallway. I noticed the floor below was cluttered with scattered shoes and stray charging cables, making nighttime navigation risky. Looking up, I spotted the lower shelf of the wooden nightstand. I grabbed the sturdy braided cord hanging from the table runner, tested its hold with two sharp tugs, and walked my boots up the wood grain until my hands caught the smooth shelf rim. From up here, the entire floor plan is clear and completely out of harm's way for the night.