A Soft Blue Fold

I trotted back inside through the quiet lobby door, shaking the cool courtyard dust from my paws. The living room was quiet and dimly lit. Near the edge of the woven rug, a folded fleece throw blanket had slipped halfway onto the hardwood floor. I stopped. I watched the soft blue curve for several still breaths. Slowly, I stepped forward and pushed my head into the open fold between the layers. The fleece parted gently, wrapping around my shoulders with deep, familiar warmth. I turned once in a tight circle, tucked my front paws beneath my chest, and let my chin sink into the plush fabric.