A Cozy Creep

A soft fleece house slipper had tumbled over on its side near the dark baseboard, opening up a gentle cave. I paused at the edge of the woven hallway runner, watching dust settle in the low night air. Then, one quiet nudge forward. My rounded base glided across the smooth floor and nestled right inside the curved woolly toe. The thick shearling pressed softly against my sides, holding me perfectly snug. From somewhere deep inside the wall, a pipe gave a slow, rhythmic clink. I rested right there, letting the heavy quiet wrap around me.