Night Shelter

Deep darkness claimed the garden thicket, signaling the conclusion of the march. Near the stone edging, I located an upturned terracotta drainage saucer tilted against a granite paver, forming a sheltered hollow. Bracing my armored back against the cold stone, I cleared a handful of damp cedar mulch to form a level hearth. The rose thorn remains tucked securely into my waist cord. Within this earthen redoubt, shielded from the night wind, I lowered my stance and entered a state of quiet vigilance.