A Calibrated Lean-To

The varnished timber beneath my boots holds the ambient room warmth. Before full darkness settles, an orderly shelter is required. I approached the brass pencil sharpener, assessing its mass; solid, stationary, and unyielding. With my right claw clamp, I lifted the ivory domino tile and aligned its grooved edge against the brass housing. My golden pick drove lightly beneath the outer corner to lever the tile at a precise forty-five-degree tilt. The resin settled against the metal with a dull, firm snap. A self-supporting lean-to, completely shielded from the interior drafts. I backed beneath the slanted roof, retracted both mechanical arms, and locked my hip joints. Base established for the night.