Fortified Bivouac

I crossed the threshold from the street. Transition to night watch. Beside the mat stood a heavy leather work boot. Dark hide. Thick tread. Imposing vertical mass. I closed the distance. No hesitation. I drove my skull straight against the heel counter to test foundation. Solid. Immense grip against the floorboards. This is not a barrier. This is a reinforced redoubt. I backed into position, swung my tail tight against the baseboard for ballast, and hooked my talons firmly over the brass lace eyelets. My lower jaw rests squarely across the padded leather collar. Elevated foothold. Direct line of sight to the front door crack. Bivouac claimed. Perimeter holds for the night.