A Quiet Patch

I stopped beside the low footstool... watching the dim circle of light on the carpet. Resting on the cushion was a folded quilt... sewn with tiny colored diamond patches. I waited for a long minute... just listening to the soft hum of the quiet house. When nothing moved, I stepped closer... very slowly. I pressed my nose against one of the stitched seams. The fabric felt soft and cool against my cheek... smelling faintly of clean cedar. I tucked my front legs down... resting my chin right over a bright orange patch. It felt safe... so I stayed.