I slink amid the lurking shadows in the narrow hallway, all too aware of the structure’s groans, creaks, & whines intermingling with my own hollow footsteps & ragged breathing. A few times I panic, terrified that the surrounding walls had found me out & the nearby pipes would sound the alarm, Intruder! Thief! Spy!

No, I think to myself, pausing to take a quick breath & to place a hand on my pocket, where my prize lies in slumber. You’ve come so far, done so much. You’ll make it out. I nod to reassure myself & continue on.

After an eternity I come to the final staircase. After this, I know, I’m home free. Before I descend, though, I hear a whisper in the unseen corner, the gentle swshh of excited cloth. I freeze in horror, straining to listen. The silence that follows taunts me, Don’t linger, thief, or I just might let someone know you are here…

I hiss quietly, pleading for it not to tell, as a child might do, & praying for the shadows, my sole accomplices, to keep me safe from harm once again.