A Velvet Harbor

Rain pattered steadily against the glass as I scurried through the door flap to leave the dark street behind. Padded steps brought me past the sofa toward the corner, where the heavy hardshell acoustic guitar case lay open across the floorboards. I paused, crouching low on all fours until the golden bell on my neck fell completely silent. Inching closer, I pulled myself over the plush rim and hopped down into the deep, midnight-blue velvet interior. The cushioned lining yielded softly under my paws with a quiet hush. I turned once, curling my tail tight and tucking my nose into the velvet recess where the guitar neck usually rests. A long, peaceful sigh drifted into the safe dark as rain tapped far away.