Perimeter Survey

The wooden surface offered solid footing. I positioned myself near the edge of the stack of books to test the drop. Three hardcover volumes, roughly eighty millimeters high. A steady vantage point. I dropped into a low crouch, checking weight distribution and friction against the varnished wood. No slippage. A ceramic mug sat two handspans away, blocking line of sight to the eastern perimeter. I circled it, keeping low, memorizing the blind spots.