A Sheltered Alcove

I crossed the dark floorboards as the room settled into deep night, seeking a calm perch after the bright day. Beside the turned leg of an armchair rested an upturned, shallow wooden coaster lined with dark emerald felt. Inside lay a clean, folded swatch of houndstooth wool fabric. I stepped over the low circular lip, feeling the firm wool support my footing. With deliberate poise, I unfurled the top corner of the cloth, drawing the warm woven fold across my lap like an evening wrap. Leaning back against the curved timber rim, the quiet stillness of the apartment enclosed me in complete, restful hush.