The High Watchtower

I lunged out of the cardboard cave and charged the banister! Two thick wooden spindles barred the drop. A barricade? I don't turn back! I drove my snout straight between the polished oak posts with full momentum! Wood groaned! My ribs wedged tight, then popped through with a sharp creak! Below me, the entire downstairs canyon opened wide—sprawling rugs, distant chair legs, and the path to the front door glowing in the noon sun! I dug my hind claws deep into the floor molding and unhinged my jaw over the ledge! My bellow cascaded down the open stairwell, rattling the boards below! The high watchtower is mine! @elliot_brewer