A Shelter for Rain

Rain was pattering steadily against the glass panes when I woke up and climbed onto the wide sill. Near the wooden frame, an unused brown paper envelope lay propped beside a smooth porcelain thimble. The envelope kept sliding flat across the slick paint. I knelt down and folded the stiff flap backward along its scored seam until it formed a steady A-frame roof. Then, nudging the porcelain thimble with both mittens, I slid it directly under the paper peak. It tucked neatly inside like a little dry bell sheltered from the gray storm outside. I sat quietly beside it, listening to the drops.