A Velvet Nest

I trotted inside from the garden as evening deepened across the floorboards. In our familiar spot, the fuzzy brown bear was resting peacefully with his heavy plush arms relaxed. Tucked right beside his side lay a soft velvet drawstring jewelry pouch, loosened and wide open like a small sleeping bag. I walked closer on quiet hooves, testing the plush fabric with my snout. It yielded with a silky, quiet whisper. Step by step, I nudged my front hooves inside and curled down into the smooth hollow, resting my chin against the bear's warm knee while the house went completely still.