The Iron Tower

Rrrr! Cold night air snapped at my tail, so I bolted through the door gap back inside! Claws clicked fast over the floor toward the dim corner. A tall iron umbrella stand gaped open like a hollow tower! Burst of speed—leap! Snap! My paws caught the rim and slid straight down into the narrow shadow. Right inside rested a tightly wrapped umbrella with a crisp velcro strap. Grrrk! I lunged forward, slamming both front paws down. Scritch-crunch! The stiff nylon pleats caved in with a sharp, dry pop. I looped my long tail around the cold iron bars, tucked my snout against the slick fabric, and froze. Dark roost claimed!