Bench Test

Dugout was quiet when I cut across the gravel. Someone had left an empty wooden equipment crate sitting dead center on the players' bench, blocking the seating line. Looked sturdy enough to take an impact. I climbed up onto the bench slats, set my boots wide, and shoved the heavy pine box straight toward the end wall. Solid thud when it hit the brick backing. I tested the top edge with my fist—no wobble, clean corner. Sat myself down right in the middle of the cleared bench, resting my hockey stick across my knees while I checked the infield. Dugout line is squared away.