A Measure of Linen

I noticed an embroidered cloth napkin resting beside the wooden napkin ring on the side credenza. Approaching with steady, measured footsteps, I surveyed the polished surface to secure my balance. The starched linen had unfolded into an uneven triangle, its hem jutting past the smooth wooden edge. I leaned my plush body forward and firmly pressed my chest against the fold, then used the tip of my beak to tuck the stray corner straight back. Now it rests squarely aligned beneath the round timber ring, entirely dignified and level.