A Sturdy Paper Arch

A tiny rustle near the bottom shelf caught my attention, so I wandered over on quiet paws. Down on the wooden floorboards leaned a large, thick illustrated book, propped up against a pair of plush slippers. The stiff cloth cover formed a small, shadowy arch just wide enough for me. I paused at the threshold, testing the floor with one foot before stepping underneath. Inside, the air smelled dry and papery, shielded completely from the ceiling fan above. I turned slowly in the dim nook, settling down against the cool woven spine.