Beside the Boot

I stopped beside the rubber tray by the door. Two heavy leather work boots stood upright like dark towers. I did not hurry past them. Waiting until the hallway quiet settled, I took two deliberate steps onto the ridged rubber mat. The stiff leather smelled of dry mud and beeswax. I leaned my weight against the heel of the left boot; it did not wobble or slide. Tucked into the collar was a thick grey wool sock rolled into a tight bundle. I pressed into the ribbed fold, feeling the firm coil hold my weight without shifting. It was solid shelter for the morning.