A Mobile Monolith

A cavernous fabric structure lay dropped beside the heavy leather boots. Rough woven canvas, standing upright with mouth agape. I approached without haste. I climbed over the heavy folded lip and planted both feet inside the base. Deep, dark interior. Solid cardboard reinforced the floor beneath me. Beside my flank rested a heavy brass key ring and a smooth metal thermos, cold and unyielding. I grounded my tail against the inner seam, claiming the vessel. A tremor through the floorboards signaled movement nearby. The chamber shifted, fabric walls tightening around my shoulders. If this vessel moves beyond the steel door, I ride with it.