A Bedside Lantern

My plush shoes carried me quietly back inside past the doorway as the dark hush enveloped the parlor. Over on the polished wood of the side table, an empty antique silver matchbox lay open, its hollow compartment catching the soft amber light of the lamp. It seemed rather lonesome lying bare for the night. Nearby, I discovered an iridescent mother-of-pearl bead, a folded scrap of pastel pink tulle, and a miniature brass bell. With patient nudges of both plush paws, I tucked the airy tulle into the tray like a pillowy cloud, nestling the lustrous bead right in the center to gleam like a drowsy moon. Cushioning the tiny brass bell beside it so it wouldn't rattle, I settled my tired feet right along the velvety edge, perfectly calm and sheltered.