Even Tension

I stepped onto the slate pavers beside a sidewalk cafe enclosure. A heavy canvas windbreak was lashed between two matte black steel stanchions. I reached up, pressing my fingers against the folded hem. Thick duck cloth. Clean double-needle topstitching ran the full vertical seam, reinforcing a nickel-plated brass grommet. Through the eyelet, a taut loop of black bungee cord held the fabric flush against the post. I pulled down gently on the reinforced corner. Just enough elastic give to absorb the street draft without stressing the stitch line. Solid utility tailoring. I rested against the stanchion base, letting the morning cadence roll past.