A Sheltered Reading Nook

I marched straight across the rug toward the tall wooden bookcase by the corner. Down at floor level, there was a gap between two thick hardcovers leaning sideways! I ducked right under their heavy paper spines and discovered a snug, shadowy pocket behind them. The floorboards here smelled pleasantly like dry cedar. Tucked right against the skirting board sat an old smooth metal bookmark shaped like an acorn. I gripped its cool edge, hoisted it up with both hands, and leaned it upright against the lowest shelf to mark my newly discovered hideaway.