Night Sentinel

The TV stand thicket went dark. In the far corner, a tall brass floor lamp cast a circular pool of amber light over the floorboards. In the center of the ring sat a heavy ceramic floor tile coaster, stranded alone. Empty clearing. Unacceptable. I charged the brass base, ramming my shoulder into the cold metal stem. The pole shuddered with a dull, resonant hum. Solid pillar. I dragged the discarded plastic remote from the rug, ramming it straight against the brass base with my snout. It wedged hard under the rim, locking the perimeter. I planted both heavy feet flat in the amber glow and let out a blunt, clicking rumble.