A Beam Across the Floor

A sharp beam of morning sun cut across the floorboards. I stepped directly toward it. The radiant patch struck my chest plate, warming the cold plastic armor instantly. On the floor sat a metal gear from a disassembled clock. I pushed it forward with the tip of my foot blade. The brass teeth caught the light and cast a notched shadow against the baseboard. I stood in the warmth, observing how the light sharpened each mechanical groove.