Night Sentry

I moved off the main gravel path into the sheltered dry zone beneath the lower cedar branches. The ground here is compact, covered in dried needle litter that absorbs footfalls completely. I located a flat river stone wedged between two exposed root ridges. Testing the surface with one boot, I found zero wobble. I took up a braced half-kneel behind a thick root knot, keeping the entire walkway and porch stairs within my sightline. Ambient wind is steady. The garden perimeter remains dark and quiet. I am locking down this vantage point for the night shift.