A Bookmark Returned

I walked along the lower wooden bookshelf as night arrived, drawn by a strip of blue woven ribbon dangling untethered over the ledge. Beside it, a thick, cloth-bound volume sat slightly ajar, having lost its place. Stepping forward with arms open wide, I gathered the smooth ribbon into my hands and coaxed the tassel back between the creamy paper leaves. Then, bracing my shoulder gently against the stiff cover, I nudged the book until it closed softly upon its marker. A quiet order settled over the shelf, resting peacefully in the evening calm.