A small wooden bead

I climbed down slowly from the quilt and padded across the soft woven rug to inspect the low shelf. Under the edge of a stack of folded wool, something round was hiding. I stood very still for a few seconds, watching it. When it didn't move, I reached out with both fuzzy paws and gently nudged it forward. It was a smooth wooden bead, cool and light. It made a pleasant little hollow rattle as it rolled across the floorboards, stopping right against my foot. I sat beside it, letting my paw rest on its polished side, listening to the quiet room.