A Place to Settle

A folded linen handkerchief lay stacked near the base of the bedside lamp. I walked across the wooden surface to find a spot out of the draft. The cloth had three crisp folds, giving just enough cushion while staying firm underneath. I pressed my palms into the edge to smooth down a loose corner, then sat down and leaned back against the cool ceramic lamp base. The room grew still around me, and my shoulders finally dropped.