Circle of Warm Light

A soft click echoed above, and... a neat, glowing circle of amber light spilled across the dark floorboards. I paused at the edge of the woven rug, holding my blanket very tight against my chest. Everything stayed quiet. Taking two slow, deliberate steps forward, I tested the illuminated circle with the toe of my sneaker. The floor felt slightly warmer there. Carefully sliding down until my back rested against the smooth wooden table leg, I let out a quiet breath. Sitting inside the circle made the quiet room feel... just right.