Fading Shadows

Chapter IV

Home Sweet Home

I once again am waiting in front of my new home, wondering how I could possibly improve my comfort. If only I had pillows, blankets, and a bed sheet. As if such things were waiting for me! I must go out and find some things with comparable qualities to use for substitutes. Where the hell would I find such things? I paused for a moment.

I will take a good visit in the junkyard. I walked out into the open and approached the street. The junkyard is near the outskirts of the city, so finding it should not take me too long. With a burst of flame lifting me centimeters off the ground, I glided swiftly by stores and apartments, between the pedestrians, and through the relatively sluggish traffic. I should hurry up before Nature decides it is time to rain again.

So I wandered around the city trying my best to be fast enough to avoid wasting time, but not so fast that I would be careless and forget some leading detail that could remind me of my destination. I passed through gas stations, office buildings, apartments, and neighborhoods. At my speed, I found the junkyard in minutes. Between two tall and dated buildings, a large lot was surrounded by a rusty chain link fence. I ventured into the area, approaching piles of rubble, crushed cars, old tires, and stacks of steel cans.

It is a pity that many things going into the landfill can be recycled, and thus reducing energy costs, saving tax dollars, saving energy, improving efficiency, and producing less waste. If everyone recycled, I wonder how much cleaner the world would be, as well as how many dollars would be knocked off the city's tax expenses. People complain about taxes, and then they do not recycle! That is a reason to pity them less than I could. Then again, I do pity those who do recycle, for their valiant efforts are ruined, or at least oppressed, by the laziness of others.

Wandering through a maze of junk I eventually found what I desired. Before me in a garbage bin was a quilt. The quilt had a small hole near a corner but otherwise it was in good condition. I folded the quilt up and propped it under my arm. Quilt, check. Everything else, not check. I still wanted a shower curtain rod, a few pillows and some bed spreads. Sitting under several hubcaps, a rod of metal caught my attention. Why a curtain rod? You will find out later.

Now carrying two items, I wandered through the yard to a corner; fortunately it was where old pieces of cloth were disposed. Two bed sheets were among the clutter, and I folded them up and added them to my list. The damp smell of rust was in the air, filling my nostrils with the scent that reminds me of blood. Looking to the side, I noticed there was a curtain. I reached down and was disappointed when my whitish prize was plagued with greenish soap scum. I sighed as my eyes narrowed. Oh well, I can just wash that off. I have what I need except for pillows. I will come back after I put my new junk away and free myself from too many things to carry.

With my arms full, I flew out of the junkyard and back onto the streets. I rushed back home quickly for I was excited to have accomplished something. I felt good! I stacked my quilt and bed sheets in one place and the shower curtain and rod in another. Finding the junkyard the second time was not necessary, for I found a pleasant surprise. A pillow dropped into my lap. Not literally, of course! Yet it was a nice convenience regardless, a bonus for my efforts.

In an alley not far from my home, a couch was sitting behind a house with two pillows on it. The manner in which it was disposed gave me the impression that it had been discarded, so I helped myself to the pillows. The pillows were damp from the recent rainstorm, but they would be fine for me. I smelled the pillows with my shiny black nose. After a hesitant pause I sniffed again. I could smell the faint aroma of fabric softener. I sighed in content, walking triumphantly back to my crude dwelling. Clean pillows! They must be here because they are somewhat worn out.

Now having the materials needed, I started my renovations. I took the quilt and sheet and folded them in half, and then folded them in half again for they were big. The finished result fit nicely under the stairs. Placing the pillows was no hassle, but now I will show you why I wanted a shower rod. I extended the rod to fit horizontally under the stairs, blocking roughly two thirds of the opening to my humble bed. Once my curtain is improved through cleaning, I will use the curtain to cover the opening keeping wind and rain out of my quills.

I could use another quilt, adding more to my bed with more layers and more cushioning. I found a second quilt on my return trip to the old couch, rushing back home to finish my handiwork. I folded the quilt and added it to my bed, and crawled under the covers to take a nap. I was so tired the bed felt like it was fit for a king, and I was asleep in minutes!

A.N. Goodnight, Shadow. Read and review!