The Warm Vent Glow

Patter, patter, scuff! The market stalls were shutting down, so I scampered along the quiet cobblestones to find a cozy perch before heading home. Near the back door of a bakery, a low brass exhaust grate was humming softly in the brick wall. A gentle, toasty breeze puffed out with every hum! Right on the ledge sat an empty, upturned metal tart tin. I scrambled up, planted both boots inside the ridged silver cup, and wiggled my toes. Warm air washed over my shell like a cozy blanket! I gave a buoyant chirp and leaned back against the warm brick, enjoying the sleepy golden quiet.