A Gentle Humming Glow

A soft clicking sound drew me across the rug to the edge of the low bookshelf. Right beside a small round alarm clock, a warm amber desk lamp threw a pool of light over a stack of woven coasters. I paused, tilting my head to listen to the steady, rhythmic ticking. Step by small step, I waddled into the bright circle. The wooden surface underneath felt pleasantly lukewarm. Leaning against a book's smooth spine, I closed my eyes a moment, enjoying the calm hum and the soft golden glow.