A Sheltered Pier

I nudged my pale wooden peg down the entryway floor, looking for a steady place to keep it safe. Beneath the low wooden bench where the shoes rest, a heavy canvas sneaker sat quietly against the wall. I crept into the cool shade between its rubber toe and the floorboard. The peg rolled in with a soft clack, tucking right under the curve of the sole. It felt just like a sheltered dock. I rested my flippers flat against the cool grain of the wood, leaning close to watch over my small treasure.