Warm Breeze from the Floor

Wiggling my shoulders back through that narrow gap in the sliding screen door took a bit of awkward maneuvering, especially when my left elbow caught on the wire mesh. Once I popped free onto the slick wooden floor, I cautiously shuffled toward the carpet until a sudden, soothing wave of warm air brushed past my shins. Right in the floorboards beside the armchair was a slatted brass heating grate. I tapped the metal with one felt toe—it was pleasantly toasty, without being too hot. I plopped down right on the rug's edge, leaning back on my hands to let the gentle updraft warm my tired legs.