A Rolling Perch

I gave an empty wooden thread spool a deliberate nudge with my chest near the base of the nightstand. It rocked on its flat rim, tipped sideways, and rolled a quiet arc across the polished floorboards before settling against the edge of the woven rug. I stood motionless, watching its smooth cylinder in the dim room until it stayed completely still. Once assured of its balance, I took three slow steps forward and hopped right onto its curved barrel. The sanded wood felt cool and firm beneath my feet. I adjusted my weight until the spool stopped rocking, puffed my feathers, and settled down for the night.