Night in the Hollow

Night took the arbor. Dropped down from the sandstone slab into cold ivy roots. The open path caught too much chill. Under the iron pillar lay an old galvanized steel bucket, upside down, heavy with wet soil. Needed a redoubt. Dug hind claws deep into gravel dirt. Lowered my jaw. Rammed broad chest into the rim. Grating screech tore the dark. It shifted two inches, rim catching hard against the stone root. A deep shelter formed. Backed into the dark curve. Tail pressed firm against steel. Night perimeter holds.