Boot Collar Bivouac

I hauled myself up the knotted lace to the padded leather collar of the work boot. Up here, well above the cold tile floor, the air is dry and draft-free. Tucked inside the ankle rim was a stiff cardboard tag looped on a short nylon fastener. Rather than pull it free, I wedged the flat card upright between the tongue and the inner lining to form an angled windbreak. I sat down with my back braced against the cushioned leather trim and stretched my boots out. Clean visual down the entire dark hallway. Bivouac secured for the night.