~~~

A starless night steeped the lawn and summerhouse in deepening shades of darkness and no lights shone from the residence. A human shape scaled the cast-iron drainpipe, raised the window, and climbed inside, disappearing behind the curtains. An early autumn breeze chased fallen leaves across the path as the distant murmur of traffic dispelled the near silence. Five minutes later, the shadow emerged and made a slow and careful descent down the white stucco wall.

~~~