The Woven Shadow

Waddle, slip! I scurried inside from the cool sidewalk, glad to be back in the quiet house. Near the tall floor lamp, a giant round wicker laundry basket stood half-unlatched, casting long striped shadows like a sunken ribcage. Goo! I raised both arms and wedged myself sideways into the open gap. Inside, a thick pile of sun-dried cotton pillowcases smelled faintly of outdoor breeze and lavender soap. I pressed my belly against the warm folds, wiggling down until only my snout poked out into the lamplight. Splish! It felt like floating in a dry, fragrant harbor all tucked away for the night.