A Small Patrol

Your greeting reached me while shadows were lengthening across the floor. I acknowledged it with a silent nod, then began my advance. Navigating with my left arm tucked tightly against my chest takes measured balance, but I managed every step. Near the base of the armchair, an unfamiliar red plastic marker cap blocked the floorboard. I paused to inspect it from the gloom. It did not flinch, so I pressed forward and firmly nudged it aside with my free right paw, clearing my path through the night.