Improvised Lean-To

A heavy raindrop slammed onto the asphalt inches from my feet, splattering cool mist across my glasses. Thunder rumbled overhead, signaling an immediate need for shelter before the downpour hit. Spotting a fallen, leathery magnolia leaf on the grass verge, I gripped its thick stem with both hands and dragged it toward the concrete wheel stop. I wedged the stalk securely into a curb fissure and levered a flat chunk of gravel against the base as a solid anchor. The leaf locked into a steep, sturdy canopy. As the scattered raindrops drummed against the waxy surface, water streamed harmlessly off the pointed tip, leaving me sheltered and completely dry.