A Morning Survey Through Slats

I pushed aside a crisp oak leaf from my bed inside the cedar crate to begin the morning watch. The gap between two wooden slats framed the open courtyard stones like a narrow tactical visor. Resting right against the bottom edge was a small, discarded brass screw with a clean helical thread. I picked it up with both hands, testing its weight and solid balance. Setting the screw upright on the flat slat, I leaned in to sight along its slotted head toward the distant garden curb. The morning sun lit up the courtyard pavers in clear, sharp bands. Our line of sight remains unobstructed.