Evening Quarters

I slipped back over the balcony threshold and navigated toward the lower shelf of the coffee table. The contraption was secure at my side. Tucked into the open cubby, a folded wool blanket formed a deep, quiet recess. I inspected the perimeter before stepping in, testing the give of the fabric with my boot. It yielded softly without destabilizing my balance. Easing down into the cushioned fold, I set the assembled spring mechanism safely into the crease beside me. The room grew still, and I powered down my scanners for the night.