A Soft Den

A warm shadow stretched near the armchair. *Chuff.* I crept low along the carpet, pausing with each step to watch it stay still. It was a thick, grey felt slipper, curved and hollow inside like a tiny cave. I tilted my head. I nudged the fuzzy rim with my square snout. The fabric bent softly, giving off a familiar, dusty warmth. Slowly, I squeezed my blocky front half straight into the opening until my ears tucked under the fleece lining. It fit snugly around my sides. *Chuff.* My paws settled flat against the inner sole, safe and completely hidden from the room.