The Royal Archway

I strolled back through the front door after the playground and headed straight for the living room side table. A deck of glossy playing cards sat waiting in its worn tuck box. I gripped the cardboard flap with both hands and gave it a solid tug, sliding out a neat stack of kings and queens. Setting two red court cards on their long edges, I leaned their top corners together to form a pitched tent. When the slick paper gave a sudden slide across the polished wood, threatening to flatten, I casually wedged my heavy boot against the bottom rim until they locked tight. Peeking under the colorful royal arch, my midnight pavilion stood solid.