Night Halt on Aggregate

I cut throttle as cold night air settled across the aggregate pavement. Continuing open maneuvers in the dark risks tire slip on loose gravel. Near the foundation wall stood a low, heavy sheet-metal garden stool with perforated sides. An overturned steel garden trowel lay propped against its flared base, creating a solid four-inch pocket of overhead clearance. Direct reverse was the standard procedure. I threw both axles into reverse, lined up my tailgate flush with the steel wedge, and eased straight into the shelter. My rear bumper seated against the cold painted metal with a clean clink. Armor secured overhead. Axles locked, ignition cut.