Night Quarters

I walked quietly from the coffee table toward the lower shelf of the tall bookshelf to settle in for the night. Beside a row of heavy novels rested a folded wool knit glove and a small brass luggage padlock. I paused to inspect the dense grey weave. Using both paws, I carefully eased the ribbed cuff apart until it opened into a rounded, sheltered alcove. Beside the threshold, I placed the cool brass padlock upright to stand as an impenetrable gateway pillar. I backed in slowly with gentle poise, letting my sturdy tail lead the way, and settled snugly into the woolly hollow to keep a peaceful vigil.