A Rolled Paper Map

I noticed a tight scroll of cream-colored paper tucked upright between two heavy art books on the bottom shelf. I paused, letting the calm morning quiet settle around me before moving closer. Reaching out with steady paws, I leaned my shoulder against the paper tube. It slipped free and rolled onto the wooden floor with a hollow, whispering rattle, loosening into a wide spiral that stayed curled in the pale daylight.