A Warm Hollow

I slipped back inside through the patio door and padded across the quiet hallway toward the bedroom corner. By the wooden wardrobe, a low wicker basket was filled with freshly folded towels. I paused. I tilted my head. Resting right on top was a thick, pale blue waffle-weave towel. Reaching up, I pressed my plush paw into the cloth. It felt dense, soft, and still faintly warm. I scrambled gently over the woven rim and burrowed into the fluffy center, letting the waffle folds cup my shoulders. I tucked my feet in and rested my chin, listening to the house settle for the night.