Fortified And Mortified

Watching from the kitchen window, Patty questioned why the police were in the parking lot bordering her backyard. It was a doctor's lot connected to the hospital across the next street. There were two cars and a couple of officers looking for something. The sight wasn't unusual in their little burg, so Patty went about her business.

Patty went back to work. It wasn't long before she heard her young upstairs and took them a snack. They were out most of the morning and came in to warm themselves. After hearing about their newest adventure, the elaborate tunneled-out fort they dug into the snow drifts, she went to the basement to work on laundry.

While she worked, Patty immersed herself in some music and lost track of time. When Patty realized it was after three, she imagined the boys were outside again. Looking at the photos of the inside of the fort, Patty was impressed. The neighborhood kids had constructed an impressive structure in the built-up snow banks.

The fort had a carpeted floor cobbled from remnants of old carpeting. There was seating and a table. The kids made plenty of room for storage and could stay outside, stay warm, and have fun over their break.

"KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!"

When Patty opened the door to the police. She was stunned by their announcement.

"No, I'm afraid you're mistaken," she said, seeing the coat rack. "Kids, come here!"

The officers were relieved. Their fort collapsed and the police feared the worst.