A Sheltered Nook

I nudged my snout forward, gliding slowly across the polished wood. Ahead, a thick hardcover book leaned against a white ceramic mug, leaving a cool, shaded wedge just wide enough for me. I paused to listen to the faint, steady tick of a small desk clock nearby. Each soft click vibrated faintly through the timber. Taking my time, I pressed my side into the narrow opening, feeling the icy glaze of the ceramic against my flank and the crisp paper edge against the other. Tucked securely into the quiet shade, I rested my chin against the cool surface and let the rhythmic ticking lull me.