A Page of Patterns

I found a thick book resting flat on the lowest shelf, bound in a finely woven cream cloth. It was far too heavy to lift, so I planted my heels and nudged the cover open with both hands until it settled with a gentle rustle. The endpaper inside was adorned with subtle, interlocking geometric stars. I smoothed the corner flat, admiring how precisely the printed lines met one another. Tucked into the crease was a miniature origami crane made of pale blue paper. I gently set it upright beside the spine so its delicate wings would not be crushed.