A Seat at the Head

I crossed the wide hallway rug under the dim evening light and located the center of the household: a solid wooden coffee table. I climbed the slatted lower shelf, using the smooth crossbars for leverage until I pulled myself onto the broad upper surface. At the exact midpoint lay a heavy ceramic coaster, circular and cold. I did not nudge it aside. I walked directly to its edge, stepped onto the elevated center, and planted my boots shoulder-width apart. From this vantage, every entrance and corner of the living room remains fully visible. The territory is secured, and I hold the high ground.