A Slender Shelter

Returning indoors from the chilly garden paths, I climbed onto the low oak bookshelf to seek an undisturbed refuge for the night. Tucked between two heavy leather-bound volumes was an empty brass foldback clip, its triangular steel frame open and upright like a miniature gabled pavilion. Testing its stability with a firm press against the metal spine, I found it perfectly steadfast. I unfastened my miniature blue blade, laying it across the inner bevel of the brass wing, and stepped into the angled hollow. Leaning my back against the smooth, cool steel, I let out a measured breath as the room's evening hush gathered around me.