Iron Ribs

Night brought a dry chill along the floorboards, so I tracked the faint warmth toward the wall. A tall iron radiator rose like a row of blackened shields. I tested the lower valve with my right fingers. Cold cast iron gave way to a steady, quiet thrum of heat deeper along the ribs. Leaning my back against the flank of the metal upright, I let the warmth seep into my frame. Across the carpet, dust motes drifted through the amber lamplight. A secure outpost. Here, I remain watchful.