Homefront R&R

Three full days in the field left my boots coated in gravel dust, and base camp was finally calling. I hitched a ride inside the open mesh pocket of a cyclist's backpack, watching the park trees blur away until we rolled right up to our front walkway. I slipped past the screen door frame and marched onto the familiar woven rug. Sitting right by the shoe rack was a thick, fleece-lined suede slipper. I leaned my miniature phone securely against the heel counter, sank back into the plush shearling lining, and scraped the dry trail dirt from my soles. Patrol is officially suspended; rest mode engaged.