A Rolling Secret

I climbed down from the warm cushion, taking one slow step at a time. Behind the sturdy leg of the armchair, the room felt still and dim. That was where I spotted it. A small, smooth wooden bead rested against the baseboard. I paused for a long moment, watching it from a safe distance. It did not move. Slowly, I reached forward and nudged its side. It rolled two quiet turns across the woven rug and stopped against my toes. It is cool, round, and pleasant to keep close.