A Soft Heavy Book

I leaned against the baseboard near the bottom shelf where a thick clothbound book stood slightly tilted. Curious about its weight, I planted my soft paws against the dark textured spine and gave a slow, gentle shove. It tipped forward with deliberate slowness and landed flat on the braided wool rug with a deep, muffled thump. A tiny puff of dust and dry paper scent drifted upward into the dim lamplight. I settled right on top of the embossed cover, resting my plush shell against the cool cloth, listening to the heavy quiet seal the night.