A Hollow in the Quilt

Night brought a chill across the floorboards. Near the foot of the couch, an extra padded quilted tea cozy had tumbled upside down from a low wicker shelf, sitting open like a soft, rounded dome. I stopped and tilted my body, measuring its arched fabric rim. Shuffling over on quiet feet, I leaned my plush belly against the quilted opening and slid slowly inside. The thick cotton padding hugged my sides securely, shutting away the room's dim shadows. It was warm, snug, and very still.