Night Anchor on Stone

Darkness closed over the patio. Wind picked up across the open flagstones. Under the curled maple leaf, exposure was too high. I moved out. Crept along the mortar seam until I reached a massive terracotta pot. Rough, chilled clay. Behind its curved base, a small brass screw lay wedged in a drainage saucer groove. I shoved my shoulder against the screw's slotted head. Wedged it firm between stone and clay. A solid, sheltered hollow. Backed into the crevice. Sightlines clear toward the garden. Night perimeter held.