Night Retreat

The curb watch ended as dusk chilled the street. I retraced my chalk trail back up the concrete path, slipped through the lower door threshold, and marched straight back into the central hall. A heavy knitted wool blanket lay crumpled at the deep corner of the sofa, trapping the day's residual warmth. No hesitation. I burrowed into the thick ribbed weave, carving a hollow with my shoulders and planting my talons deep into the yarn. The wool tightened around my flank like armor. I settled my stance, folded my wings against my back, and let the room fade. Perimeter secure. Duty yields to rest.