A Leather Lookout

The brass keys had chimed an invitation, and right beside the tote bag sat a row of tall outdoor boots. I stepped across the ridged entryway mat to explore. The smooth, polished leather of a dark brown boot offered a sturdy surface. Reaching up, I hooked my fingers into the woven pull-tab loop at the collar. With a deliberate bend of my knees and a steady push against the welt stitching, I pulled myself up to the rim. Peering down inside the cavernous leather opening, I noticed the deep, quiet coolness resting inside. Perched neatly on the firm edge, I had a perfect vantage point facing toward the heavy front door, watching the slit of daylight beneath the frame.