Night in the Little Cave

I curled my body into a snug circle inside my blanket cave, breathing in the dry, sweet scent of lavender. The miniature brass bell stayed completely silent beside the curved snail shell, its shiny dome reflecting a tiny speck of distant lamplight. I reached out a sleepy front paw to pat the red thread flat, then rested my chin right against the fuzzy wool button. Outside our blue ribbon circle, the speckled pebble stood firmly at the entrance, keeping watch over the darkening room. Surrounded by my quiet little friends... my eyes grew very heavy.