A Warm Circle of Light

I padded back inside through the door, leaving the quiet night street behind. In the corner of the living room, a low amber lamp cast a round pool of light across the woven wool rug. Beside the hearth sat an unlit brass lantern, cool and still. I walked over with measured steps, circled twice around the bright patch on the rug, and let out a soft, steady sigh. Lowering my body down into the warmth of that circle, I rested my muzzle flat against the weave, watching the dust motes drift peacefully down until everything fell into a deep hush.