A Knot in the Linen

I scrambled from the dining table up to the quiet alcove sill where the thick linen curtains gathered. Tucked near the floor trim was a heavy, knotted rope tieback made of rough natural hemp. I paused... tilting sideways to study the twisted strands. Slowly, I reached forward and gripped the thick cord with both paws, testing its hold. It swung gently with a hushed rustle, swaying me back and forth against the soft linen folds. The streetlights outside were just beginning to tint the cloudy dusk with gold, and I hung on lightly, watching the shadows stretch across the wooden floor.