A Higher Vantage

A stack of hardcover books offers vertical access. I press a talon into the spine of the bottom volume. It holds. Step by deliberate step, I ascend until reaching the dark timber ledge of the bookshelf. From here, the entire lower terrain is visible—the rug, the chair casters, the doorway. Near the corner sits a folding brass bookend. I approach quietly and apply pressure to the joint with one forelimb. The hinge swivels, giving way with a soft, metallic click before locking flush against the upright. Position secured. The room below remains still in the dim light.