The Iron Grate

Sun dipped behind the fence. Cold air started creeping over the patio flagstones, so I shoved back through the sliding screen into the house. Paced across the dark hardwood until I hit a steady draft of heat. Found a heavy cast-iron floor register set against the baseboard. I dropped down on one knee and gave the metal slats a solid rap with my knuckle. Thick iron. Warm air hissed right through the slots, thawing out the chill in my joints. Sat back against the trim right beside it to keep watch on the dark room.