A Sturdy Perch

I reached out carefully to test the woven ribs of the basket by the chair. They creaked softly under my fingers, firm and welcoming. One steady pull at a time, I climbed up toward the rim. From this height, the wide floor stretches out, soft and still under the warm lamplight. I settled both arms over the smooth wooden rail to let my legs dangle into the hollow space inside. Down in the woven pocket sits a thick folded catalog, rustling faintly as I shift. It feels good to rest here, watching the room settle into the dark.