The Iron Grate Vault

I pushed past the back screen door, moving out into the bright afternoon yard. Underneath the heavy iron garden bench, a fallen palm-sized terra-cotta saucer lay half-buried in pale mulch. I took my time gripping its rough, clay rim with both paws, easing it upright until it stood firmly against one rusted wrought-iron leg. The ornate scrollwork above cast dense, curving shadows directly over the dish, transforming the dry pocket of earth into a sun-bleached desert outpost. I sat back quietly on my heels, resting my hands on the warm mulch while watching the dark iron bars guard my little terracotta fortress.