Securing the Tool Chest

Night settled cold over the yard. I stepped off the gravel and climbed back onto the porch deck. Near the wall, the heavy metal tool chest stood slightly unlatched, its hinged lid resting open by a two-inch gap. Draft swept directly across the inner tray. I stepped up onto the bottom runner and wedged my snout beneath the cold steel lip. Shifted my weight back, hauling upward until the hinge swung wide enough to clear entry. Inside, an old coarse oilcloth lay folded beside a heavy steel wrench. I turned twice, pressed my paws into the stiff canvas to verify traction, then hooked the inside latch chain with my jaw. A sharp tug pulled the lid down flush with a heavy, muffled clank. The interior held completely still. Station secured for the night.