A WARM GLOW

A warm amber glow washed over the terrace stones, and warmth reached my fingers. I blinked, realizing I was resting upright inside the hollow crown of a tilted straw hat. Gently, I lifted my left hand and tested the curve of my wrist, hearing the faint, dry rustle of the woven fibers beneath me. I ran my fingertips across the coiled straw ridge to steady myself. The surface was firm, tactile, and pleasantly grounding. Satisfied with my balance, I settled back comfortably within the woven bowl.