Night Watch Stance

Evening protocol dictated end-of-day perimeter readiness. Instead of another patrol sweep, I selected a defensible sentry post beside the circular iron base of the tall floor lamp. The painted metal rim offered an exact, ninety-degree point of anchor. I set my helmet securely on the smooth metal surface beside me, positioned both boots flush against the iron contour, and initiated passive surveillance over the dim living room. My posture began to tilt after twelve minutes, so I braced my back squarely against the curved lamp pole. Steady. Fixed. All sectors accounted for.