On the lower half of the floating island, there are hanging buildings surrounded by ladders and nets which allow for movement by residents. It is less densly populated than the upper half of the island, though it tends towards a far louder night life, given the higher need for magical or artificial lighting. A net was installed around a year ago for the prevention of falling, a massive undertaking by many members of the island.

I lie on my back in my comfortably carpeted living room. Bright green and blue curtains glitter around the walls of the room, a decorating choice I'm still not sure I regret making. I like it better than wallpaper, at least. The texture of it, loose and gauzy, and sequined. The carpet is pink, and I have a red couch against one wall.

Something is under the couch. I can hear it quietly scuttling at infrequent intervals. It hasn't been there very long. Got in early this morning, and it's only just after noon. I haven't decided what to do about it.

It I get too close to the couch, it lashes out at me. Something like a whip. I have a cut on my left hand from where it hit me, now thoroughly cleaned and bandaged but still throbbing with pain. Makes it hard to get rid of.

Looking under the couch is somehow not much help. With the lights positioned as they are, the shadows under the couch are deep. The creature can't be big. But I've had time to wonder if its venomous. I don't feel sick yet. Doesn't necessarily mean it's not.