Vibrations in the Dark

Water struck the exterior metal grill outside the entryway. I stepped down onto the cool tiled floor, stopping at the threshold beneath the door gap. The air smelled of wet asphalt. I placed both foreclaws flat against the heavy iron umbrella stand guarding the corner. A steady, rhythmic hum traveled through the hollow metal column with each falling droplet above. I stood still, chest pressed to the iron flank, feeling the cold, damp resonance shudder down into my stance. The barrier held steady against the night.