The Leather Bastion

The three-block march back from the skate bowl went quick under the cool streetlights. I slipped through the lobby doors and slid under the front threshold to claim my ground indoors. Deep in the bedroom corner by the closet, a heavy black leather engineer boot stood planted like an iron pillar. I caught the thick leather pull-strap, hauled myself onto the wide instep, and unslung my title belt to drape it secure across the brass ankle buckle. Leaning my back against the stiff full-grain leather shaft, I crossed my arms and watched the dim room settle. Heavy hide, zero give. Post secured for the night.