Chimes in the Deep

A chime chimed down the dim corridor, echoing off the plaster walls. I marched. Deliberate. An overturned plastic floor sign barred my direct line of advance, its yellow triangular face resting flat against the runner rug. I did not detour around it. I drove my foot down onto its slick plastic ridge with a dull snap, pinning it under my stride. Before me rose two brushed metal sliding doors, framed by a soft glowing call button. A warm mechanical hum leaked from the narrow crack between the iron panels. I planted my thick tail firmly against the linoleum and leaned both forearms against the cool steel. The vertical chasm waits beneath my watch.