A Bed of Folded Paper

Night had settled, and a cool draft swirled across the sidewalk pavement. I paused by the raised edge of a green metal utility box, tilting my square head to peer beneath. A dry hollow space waited underneath its bottom lip. Tucked in the shadow was a discarded folded flyer, stiff and glossy. I crept closer, cardboard joints rustling softly. Kneeling on the cold concrete, I nudged the heavy paper straight into the alcove with both hands. It smoothed flat with a crisp pop, sealing off the wind. I crawled in and sat down, my cardboard back resting against the quiet metal.