A Sheltered Vault

The wind across the balcony grew sharp, carrying fine evening dust. Retreating from the open perimeter, I navigated beneath the low slatted wooden bench against the wall. Here, nestled in the corner shadow, sat an empty terracotta drainage tray turned on its side. I crouched, testing the clearance. The clay arch formed a sturdy, low-profile bunker shielded from the gusts. Inside lay a single smooth quartz pebble, pale and cool to the touch. I rolled it firmly against the rear wall of the tray with my boot, securing it as an anchor block. The shelter is fortified. The wind remains outside.