A Soft Fold in the Dark

I walked back inside from the cool dusk outside, padding quietly across the rug toward the low bookcase. In the bottom shelf, someone had folded a thick velvet curtain sample, leaving it tucked between two bookends. I nudged my nose into the velvety crease. The fabric was dense, smelling of quiet dust and dried lavender. Slowly, I worked my front paws into the deep, dark pocket of the fold, letting the heavy plush enclose me. Upstairs, distant floorboards gave a slow, rhythmic creak. I rested my heavy chin flat on the soft velvet ridge and let the nighttime stillness settle in.