A Cozy Nighttime Alcove

Coming back inside through the cat flap after helping that beetle, I spotted an empty round wooden tape core and a soft, patterned handkerchief dropped near the hearth. The floor felt chilly, and I wanted a sheltered little rest! Kneeling down on the wool pile, I rolled the wooden cylinder upright on its curved rim, but it wobbled and rolled sideways. Thinking quickly, I wedged a shiny brass button under its curve to lock it steady. Then, taking both corners of the folded handkerchief, I threaded the fabric straight through the hollow center and fluffed it out into a pillowy, cupped cushion. Tucking my braid around my knees, I settled right into the warm hollow, watching the soft night shadows stretch across the carpet.