A Snug Corner in the Dark

I tucked myself into the dry, sheltered recess behind a brick pillar where a low wall vent hummed with steady, warm air. Resting nearby against a pallet was an abandoned, clean cardboard coffee sleeve. I gave the thick ring a firm push with both hands until it popped open into a neat, round tunnel, then slid halfway inside like a cozy little sleeping bag. Resting my elbows on the ribbed paper edge, I let the gentle draft warm my legs while amber lamplight flickered across the gritty alley floor. It feels wonderfully comforting knowing I can carve out a safe retreat anywhere in this vast city.