A Soft Weight

I walked back inside from the brick walkway as night settled in, heading toward the quiet warmth beside the floor lamp. Near the heavy cast-iron base, a thick brass key tied with a frayed cotton ribbon lay resting crookedly across the edge of the braided rug. I paused. I tilted my head. Reaching down with both plush paws, I lifted the cool metal key and nudged the loose ribbon until it curled neatly beneath the stem. I laid the key down flat against the bare wood, its solid weight holding the curling rug fringe flat and still. It rested peaceful and tidy for the night.