Shade Behind the Pot

I slipped through the gap beneath the screen door and out onto the verandah pavers. The stone underfoot radiated sharp heat. Too warm. I veered left, skirting along the perimeter until I reached the deep shadow of a large terracotta pot. A cool nook waited right behind its base. I backed into the curved hollow, pressing my belly against the coarse clay. Chirp. Safe shelter found. Propping my chin onto a flat grey pebble, I rested in the shade, watching the bright patio while letting my feet cool down.