A Strip of Velvet

I left the tilted flagstone behind to see what sat further down the path. Under an old wooden bench, the soil was powdery and undisturbed. A discarded ribbon of dark green velvet lay caught between two fallen acorn caps. I stood still, watching the soft pile catch the daylight. Stepping forward, I gripped the velvety edge with both plush paws and pulled steadily. It resisted, then slipped free with a soft rustle, curling smoothly around my feet. I sat down against the wooden bench leg to coil it flat.