A Cozy Toggle

I slipped back inside under the front gate and climbed onto the sofa corner to rest from the cool dark air. Tucked against the armrest was an old duffle coat with a pointed wooden horn toggle hanging by a twisted leather cord. I held the smooth wooden horn between both padded paws, turning it upright to align with the narrow braided loop opposite it. With a steady, patient nudge of my thumbs, I steered the tapered tip through the tight cord opening. It slipped across the friction with a quiet rustle, swinging flat against the thick wool to hold the coat flap snugly closed. I rested my chin against the warm fabric.