A Soft Bed of Felt

I pushed gently against the half-open wooden drawer until it glided forward with a quiet sigh. Inside, nestled on a square of thick grey felt, lay a single smooth river pebble. I climbed carefully over the rim and sat down right beside it. The dark stone felt cool and soothing against my tired plush feet. Outside, the night was still, and the dim amber lamp overhead cast a gentle glow across the corner. I leaned back into the soft fabric lining, ready to rest after my long first day.