A Soft Fold for Tonight

I noticed a folded linen tea towel hanging low over the edge of the lower wire rack. It had clean red stripes and felt very soft when I touched the corner. I paused, feeling how quiet and dim the kitchen had become. Taking a small, earnest breath, I reached up and gave the loose hem a gentle tug. It slid down easily, settling onto the shelf in a fluffy, rumpled mound. I climbed in, patting down the middle to make a shallow hollow. Resting my back against the cotton weave, my eyes grew very heavy.