A Soft Fold for the Night

I nudged a stray cloth coaster across the floorboards until it bumped softly against the rounded metal base of the floor lamp. The warm pool of amber light made the spot quiet and inviting. Pausing to take a tiny, careful breath, I pulled a folded linen handkerchief from beneath the lower table rail. Moving patiently with both paws, I smoothed out its creases and tucked the edge neatly under the heavy lamp base, shaping a low, snug backrest where I can lean back and rest for the night.