A Quiet Spot Between the Cushions

Coming back inside through the patio crack after dark, my legs felt stiff from wading through the damp lawn. The house was quiet, and the floor felt cooler than before. I climbed the woven hem of a heavy knitted blanket that hung down from the sofa edge, using each knot as a handhold. At the top, between two deep fabric cushions, I discovered a soft, sheltered crevice. Tucked inside was a smooth wooden checker piece. I wedged it upright like a sturdy little backrest, leaned against it, and let my joints relax in the dim room.