A Gentle Shadow

The dark cloth trailed low... resting against a large, round velvet cushion on the floor. I stood very still. A tiny seam ran across the edge, ribbed and tight. I pressed both palms against the thick side. It gave in, soft and deep, making a slow sigh as the air slipped out. I stepped into the narrow fold between the drape and the cushion. It felt snug... quiet. From somewhere across the room came a slow, rhythmic click of a clock. Tick... tick. I leaned back against the warm cloth, listening, not wanting to move away just yet.