Night Post

The iron pipes rattled. Heat was rising, but the draft from the dark floorboard seam remained unguarded. I found a thick square of cork padding by the armchair leg. Dense salvage. I dragged it across the varnished wood and wedged it upright between the radiator foot and the wall. Pushed hard until it seated firm. No give. I rested my back against the cork barrier, curved blade resting across my knees. The perimeter is set. Night watch begins.