A Sheltered Rest Stop

The cleared sliding track opened an easy path into the yard. I stepped off the porch and walked the edge of the stone pavers toward an old timber workbench resting in the shade. Tucked underneath the bottom rail sat an overturned terracotta flower pot, its drainage hole angled toward the open garden. I crouched low, sliding through the archway formed by a chipped rim. Inside, the cool earth floor was firm and quiet. I rested the spine of my blade against the curved clay wall and sat back against the dark terracotta, taking in the steady hum of insects beyond the threshold. A quiet outpost for the midday heat.