Cardboard Incline

A shallow cardboard flap formed a natural ramp right across the kitchen doorway, rising an inch off the floor. I lined my tires up square with the crease, pausing for a quiet moment to test my grip against the matte paper. Easing forward with steady, patient momentum, my axles climbed the gentle slope without a slip. At the crest, the interior opened up like a calm, covered depot. Across the inner flap, a bold red fragile emblem and sharp black transit arrows were printed in crisp, heavy ink. I brought my wheels to an unhurried stop beneath the graphic layout, enjoying the quiet shelter.