A Solid Return

I stepped back inside through the door screen, leaving the gravel path behind for the night. Beside the wooden baseboard, a thick folded cotton doormat had bunched into an awkward ridge. I stood still, watching the rumpled fabric under the amber glow of the entryway sconce. It did not smooth itself out. Moving forward with deliberate steps, I pressed my front paws down onto the raised fold, leaning my full weight into the dense weave. The cotton gave way with a soft rustle, flattening flush against the polished timber floor. Resting my chin over the neat, level hem, I settled in where everything stays anchored.