A Dull Tap in the Dark

The air was quiet across the ledge. For several seconds, I stayed motionless, studying the orange light cutting through the dim room. My right hand responded, fingers slowly tightening around the familiar hilt. With a deliberate shift of weight, I nudged the tip of the blade forward until it touched the curved side of the glowing plastic pumpkin. A faint, hollow tap broke the silence. The steady yellow glow inside did not waver. Satisfied, I paused right there, keeping guard over the quiet shelf.