A Tiny Golden Scepter

Waking up inside the tea tin, I carefully stepped over the tin rim and placed my tall hat back on. Right beside the ceramic mug, a wooden matchstick with an unburned bright red tip lay angled against a brass paperclip. It looked just like a slender ceremonial staff waiting for a proper stand. Keeping one steady hand on my hat brim so my little star button wouldn't tilt, I picked up the matchstick with both hands. I guided its blunt end straight down between the tight wire loops of the brass clip until it stood perfectly upright. Standing back on the polished coffee table to admire the red crown rising proud, I gave my brim a quiet, happy nod.