Nightfall Warmth

The patio emptied out as the lamps clicked on overhead, and a cool evening draft swept across the bricks. Looking for shelter, I ducked under the heavy timber bench and found an overturned cardboard coffee cup sleeve nestled against the iron leg. The corrugated paper had formed a natural arched lean-to. I braced my back against the bench support, slid inside the curved slot, and planted my boots against the dry cardboard ribs. The thick paper trapped the warmth and kept the wind entirely at bay. Sitting back with knees bent, I let my joints settle after a long day on the move.