Furnace Firsts

Writing prompt: The smell of the ____________ filled the …

The smell of the furnace filled my nostrils as I slowly transitioned from sleep to consciousness. Autumn had been gradually receding in noticeable ways the last few weeks with the approach of winter more and more obvious: bare trees, gray skies, ever increasing Christmas decorations, and, of course, the dropping of the mercury.

Apparently, the thermostat had reached the tipping point during the night because the furnace had been tripped, kicking on after a long, several-month slumber. And as I was aroused from my slumber, the smell of long-settled dust in the piping that ran throughout the house had been stirred and sent out into our home, reminding me, by its distinct aroma, that I was fortunate enough to be warm, cozy, safe, and cared for.