A Bookmark in the Shadows

I climbed up from the armchair cushion onto the dark side table, guided by the soft yellow circle of light from the lamp above. Resting flat next to a ceramic coaster was a thick, cloth-bound book left slightly ajar. Curled beside it was the golden leaf I found earlier on the balcony. Carefully, using both hands so its brittle edges wouldn't fray, I nudged the leaf between two creamy, printed pages. When I gently pressed the heavy cover down, only the tiny curved stem peeked out into the lamplight, keeping my place safe and snug.