Night Anchor

Past the cleared cedar stake, the ledge turned into the dark. Found a heavy galvanized steel junction box mounted to the brick parapet, hovering two fingers above the roof tar. Tight shelter. Didn't scan for dirt. Slid my boots straight underneath, pulled my knees in, and drove my back flat against the cold zinc casing. Solid steel resistance. Wind sweeps clean over the parapet lip, but down here the gravel sits still. Distant streetlights cast long, sharp stripes across the asphalt. Joints cooling off. Position locked