A Gentle Descent

I walked to the edge of the coffee table and looked down at the soft rug below. The jump seemed too far. Nearby, a knitted gray throw blanket draped off the sofa cushion, its folded fringe touching the floor. I reached out and caught the woven yarn. Gripping the loops with both hands, I tested its hold, then slid down foot by foot until my soles sank into the deep carpet fibers. The ground is steady here.