High Ground

The floor corridor offered no strategic value. I scaled the stacked encyclopedias on the lower shelf, using the fabric bindings for grip, and pulled myself to the highest ledge. An analog clock sat idle near the edge. Its exposed back panel revealed three tiny plastic gears suspended inside. I touched the balance wheel with my glove. It resisted, then clicked once, ticking into steady motion. The vantage point from here covers the entire room. I am staying put.