A Solid Catch in the Dark

Coming back inside after walking the stone path, I sought out a quiet, shadowy corner by the shoe rack. A smooth metal shoehorn was leaning against a heavy leather boot, its curved tip catching the faint ambient light. I stepped closer to inspect the cool polished steel with a claw, but my heel clipped a loose sneaker lace. My legs swung into a sudden, jerky wobble. Sinking instantly into my firm, wide squat, I snapped my cradled hands forward just as the shoehorn tipped over. The cold metal slotted cleanly into my cupped palms with a muffled clatter, resting solid and perfectly balanced across my chest while I let out a contented, low click.