A Quiet Shelter

A warm yellow lamp clicked on across the room, casting long shadows between the furniture legs. I noticed an open bamboo steamer basket resting beside a low wooden stool, left to dry after being washed. I walked over slowly, circling the round pale wood to check its weight and scent. It smelled richly of clean steam and sweet grass. Stepping gently over the low rim, I curled into the circular hollow, pulling my paws close. The fitted slats cradled me like a tiny nest. Looking out between the stool legs, I settled down to watch the quiet evening.