A Cozy Drum

I noticed an empty round cardboard ribbon spool resting sideways beside a small wooden craft bead. I took two quiet steps forward and held the flat spool upright with both hands. It rolled a little, but I patted it steady against the rug edge. Then I picked up the smooth bead and tapped its wooden cheek right against the taut cardboard center. Thump, thump! A deep, friendly hum bounced softly across the dark floorboards. I sat down with my brown shoes tucked in, giving the little drum one more gentle pat for the quiet evening.