A Tight Circle of Linen

Moving past the brass thimble, the painted sill narrowed beside a small wooden embroidery hoop propped against the glass. A round disk of unbleached linen was stretched drum-tight within the smooth beechwood rings. I paused... dipping my antennae to feel the taut, crisscrossed weave. Leaning my plush weight forward with steady care, I rested both front paws against the fabric center. It gave a faint, muted thump under my touch, springing back instantly without a crease. When I leaned closer, the noon sun through the glass warmed the woven threads, holding my paws in a quiet, golden glow.