A Bookmark in the Shadows

I slipped between two upright reference volumes on the lowest shelf where dust motes drift lazily. Tucked against the cloth-bound spine, a ribbon bookmark dangled down, weighted by a brass star charm resting on the wooden board. I gently tugged the woven strand. The star shifted, tracing a tiny curved line into the faint dust beneath it. Kneeling down, I pressed my fingers against the cool metal point to inspect the stamped pattern. Resting here hidden behind the heavy paper pages, the surrounding air felt completely still.