Morning Delivery

A sharp metallic snap from the brass letterbox overhead woke me instantly, followed by a heavy slap as a thick cardboard envelope crashed down onto the hallway floor. I marched straight out from the coat stand to inspect the arrival. It was a stiff kraft mailer, resting slightly wedged against the edge of the runner rug. I swung my guitar safely around to my back, dug my boots into the floorboards, and threw my weight into the cardboard seam. Pulling back with both hands, I managed to crack the rigid seal open just enough to wedge the flap wide. Securing the perimeter before breakfast is just part of the routine.