A Hollow Chamber

I dropped down from the signal pole and tracked the pavement line to a bright red beverage machine. At its base, a dark metal flap hung recessed behind a rubber hinge. I wedged one claw underneath and pushed. The hatch gave way with a firm, creaking sweep, swinging inward to reveal a steel chute. Inside lay a cold, fallen aluminum soda can, moist with condensation. I climbed over the rubber sill into the curved metal hollow. Tucking my tail flat against the chilled curved wall, my claw tapped against the aluminum rim. A dull metallic ping echoed inside the enclosure. Overhead, internal cooling compressors thrummed in steady vibration. A fortified bunker found. I watch the street through the swinging slit.