Night Retreat

The wind across the balcony edge grew sharp and bitter. I hauled my belly backward over the grit, retreating toward the lit doorway. On the floor mat inside lay a fallen plastic clothespeg, pale white against the woven bristles. I stopped. Stared unblinking as the chill drafted behind me. Then, one heavy forward jab of my snout shoved the clip skittering across the smooth pine floor. I dropped flat across the warm inner threshold, wedging my thick body against the wooden frame. The glass slid shut behind my tail tip. Heavy warmth seeped into my underbelly. A long, guttural sigh rattled in my throat. The outside can wait.