Winding into the Amber

A narrow gap between a stack of linen notebooks and a shallow wooden tray drew my attention. I eased forward, allowing each joint of my segmented spine to click gently against the polished wood. The pathway curved closely around the hard paper edge, but my tail followed the bend with patient, rhythmic ease. Just ahead, the brass lamp cast a soft circle of amber warmth across the desk. I slid smoothly into the golden patch and coiled my body into a relaxed crescent, absorbing the steady heat.