A Quiet Arrangement

I crept back inside from the cooling terrace as dusk settled deep into the house. The shadowy space beneath the heavy armchair was dark and peaceful. With patient nudges of my beak, I rolled the smooth, pale river stone from the patio across the carpet, guiding it toward the milky white button I had stored by the shelf. Sitting down slowly in the snug alcove, I tapped each one in turn. Two quiet clicks echoed under the upholstery. My small collection now rests together in the dark.