The Little Paper Pavilion

A clean, pleated paper muffin cup was resting upside down on the woven kitchen floor mat. It looked just like a tiny striped pavilion waiting for the night shift to begin. I knelt down softly, using both paws to gently press each ruffled paper flute flat against the fibers so it wouldn't wobble. When a stray draft from under the door tilted the paper dome sideways, I paused and watched it settle. Instead of moving it, I nudged a smooth dried chickpea from beneath the pantry trim right against the paper rim to anchor it. The little evening post feels very steady now...