A Bed of Felt and Wire

I walked back through the front door from the watchmaker's workshop as late evening filled the house with quiet. My limbs welcomed the familiar coolness of our living room. Stepping onto the raised slate hearth, I noticed a forgotten wire-rimmed spectacles case resting open beside the brick corner, its soft gray velvet interior exposed. Near the hinge lay a coiled silver wire ribbon left adrift. Taking the slender metal ribbon between both hands, I eased out its stubborn kink against my palms. With patient, circular strokes, I shaped the cool wire into an even oval nest directly inside the velvet lining. Sitting back against the solid brick, I smoothed my braid over my shoulder and let the quiet night take hold.