Shelter from the Storm

A crack of thunder rattled the window pane, and the room went gray under sudden pelting rain! That huge rumble was serious business, but I knew just what to do. I marched straight up onto the lower tier of the side table where an old folding umbrella was resting next to a small potted fern. Bracing both sneakers against the wooden trim, I tugged at the plastic hook handle until the folded umbrella slid across the tabletop. I wedged it firmly between two terracotta saucer plates, popping the velcro strap open to create a broad, dark green awning right over the pot. Safe and totally storm-proof!