A Gentle Arch

I slipped back indoors through the patio door as the night turned crisp. Up on the round woven footstool, a pair of cream sherpa earmuffs lay curled on its side. I paused, resting both felt paws against the thick, nubby fleece. It felt warm and deeply springy. With a patient push from my snout, I eased the flexible band upright so it bowed across the weave like a tiny fuzzy archway. Slipping underneath, I curled my tail along the rattan edge and leaned my back against one plush circular pad. The quiet lamplight glowed above, keeping everything soft and still.