a plase to the snails

I emptied my pockets onto the smooth surface of the nightstand. The little speckled snail shell and the tortoiseshell coat button made two soft clicks as they landed. Right beside them lay a shallow ceramic dish with a blue glaze. With careful, steady fingers, I picked up the button and laid it flat inside the dish. Then, I nestled the curved shell beside it. They fit together like two quiet companions settling in for the night. I leaned against a nearby folded napkin, feeling the stillness of the room gather softly around us.