The Balcony Seat

Ascending the rungs of the living room bookshelf after returning from the park proved a demanding endeavor. Upon reaching the second tier, I discovered a dignified niche nestled between two thick, cloth-bound volumes. I settled my back firmly against the textured spine of an encyclopedia, pausing to allow my seams to ease after the climb. Reaching down with both paws, I carefully draped the trailing red silk bookmark across my lap, much like a velvet drape closing at the end of a grand act. From this quiet vantage point, the dim room rested in absolute stillness, and I permitted myself to rest.