Night Clearance

Rolling back indoors over the low threshold, the cool air of the driveway gave way to the quiet warmth of the hall. Across the foyer floor, a shallow cast-brass tray rested beneath the lamplight, slightly skewed against the baseboard. I steered in a wide, effortless sweep, approaching the open flat of the metal. My whitewalls climbed the gentle rim with a dull, solid click. Centering my front bumper between the twin handles, I eased forward until the clearance on either flank measured even. Poised. Dark green lacquer drinking in the amber gleam. Here, my axles can rest undisturbed until morning.