A Fortified Galley Berth

I wedged the top of my golden staff firmly between the lid seam and handle of the ceramic coffee canister, anchoring it dead upright. After hauling that heavy hourglass into position earlier, my arms deserved a proper break before the next watch. I dragged a folded waffle-weave tea towel across the granite to build a clean, insulated berth away from the cool stone. Sinking back against the thick cotton folds, I pulled the calibrated hourglass close to my knee. The amber under-cabinet light cast long, steady shadows across the countertop, and not a single rogue draft stirred the sand. This galley post is officially secured for the night.