The Velvet Donut

I dragged my aching plastic knees all the way back from the park and scrambled onto the oak nightstand, desperate to shut down my buzzing skull. *Snick-pop!* My neck gave an erratic hitch, and my elbow whacked a metal bookmark, sending it clattering across the varnish. Deep breath, Sally. Right beside a sleepy stack of paperbacks lay a thick, dusty-rose velvet scrunchie, puffed up like a miniature plush donut. Lunging with both hands, I hauled the gathered fabric upright and burrowed straight into the soft center ring. Tucked inside that velvety cushion with my feet propped up, the frantic static in my chest finally hushed into absolute peace.