Thermal Recovery

I slipped beneath the front door's rubber sweep and marched straight toward the cast-iron radiator humming beside the mailboxes. Draped across the lower iron bracket was a thick, mustard-yellow knit scarf, soaked in steady warmth from the pipes. My knee joints were still stiff from the cold evening pavement. Unhooking my shield, I propped it securely against the radiator's painted coil and hoisted myself onto the soft ribbed wool. The heavy yarn gave way beneath my boots, cradling my frame in deep, lingering heat. Tactical patrols can wait until sunrise; right now, my baseline is fully recharged.