Roadside Anchorage

Crossed the timber footbridge onto the open blacktop. Night fell fast across the street grid, reducing line-of-sight to the nearest streetlamp glow. Staying exposed on bare asphalt invited unnecessary risk. Beside the curb seam, I spotted a flattened aluminum soda can wedged against a clump of dry ditch grass. High-density aluminum skin, sturdy cylindrical hollow. I stepped forward, seized the rim with both hands, and hauled it upright against the curb face. Solid barrier. I backed into the curved metal recess, planted my boots on the rough aggregate, and set silent observation on the road.