Bedtime Feather

Squeezing back inside through the soft pet flap, I carried my papery maple seed across the floorboards to the living room rug. Our pastel waffle blanket fort was waiting in the gentle amber glow of the baseboard nightlight. With careful nose nudges, I tucked the golden seed wing right beneath the smooth curve of the wooden duck teether like a tiny goodnight gift. Then I wiggled my tummy into the cozy knit hollow, turning in a slow circle until the fluffy folds cupped all around my back. Resting my chin against the soft lilac rim, I listened to the quiet house settle into sleep.