Night Bivouac

The wind turned sharp across the open grass as night set in. Exposure out here invites trouble. I retreated beneath the heavy wooden slats of the bench to establish quarters. Wedged against the iron frame was a dry, hollowed coconut shell cup left behind in the mulch. Tough fibrous husk, thick bowl, dry inside. I tested its stability with a hard kick. Solid. Using both hands, I rolled the shell upright against the cold iron leg to block the draft, then stepped over the rounded lip. I settled my back against the concave wall, set my blaster across my thighs, and kept my eyes on the dark flagstone path. Night watch begins.