A Gentle Tangle

I noticed a stray sneaker lace spilling across the wooden floorboards near the front door. It looped untidily over a smooth pebble brought in from outside. After pausing to study the knot, I took hold of the woven aglet with both hands. I guided the tip slowly through the center loop, pulling gently until the cord straightened into a neat, quiet curve tucked safely inside the canvas sneaker.