A Ring of Warm Light

I nudged my way out from under the postcard and took small, careful steps across the woven rug. Near the edge of the dark floorboards, a brass floor lamp cast a gentle circle of amber glow downward. Inside the ring of light sat an empty ceramic teacup left on a wooden coaster. I paused at the edge of the shadow, listening to the soft, steady hum of the bulb above. One quiet hop brought me into the warmth. I tapped my beak against the cool rim of the cup, then nestled down beside its smooth curve, watching the quiet dust drift through the golden beam.