A Blanket of Stars

I scooped up a forgotten velvet drawstring pouch from beneath the sofa table, eager for a cozy bedtime task. Tipping it gently onto the rug, out tumbled four smooth mother-of-pearl buttons, gleaming like pale fossilized shells. Holding a chubby piece of blue chalk between both plush paws, I carefully traced soft, curved ring marks on the dark woven wool around each button, turning them into tiny glowing planets orbiting in deep prehistoric night. Resting my heavy teacup head against a stacked pillow fold, I tucked my toes under the fabric hem, watching our little floor constellation quietly shine before sleep.