Securing the Arch

Night has enveloped the garden terrace. I stepped away from the limestone coping toward the inverted terracotta shard I prepared earlier. The curved clay canopy stood firm against the brick masonry. To eliminate evening crosswinds, I retrieved a thick block of grey chalk wedged between two paving stones. Crouching low, I drove the dense mineral chalk flush against the terracotta edge using measured heel pressure. The block seated with a muffled grind, anchoring the curve against lateral vibration. Back braced against the cool brickwork, I locked my hydraulic joints. Station secured for the night.