A Bedtime Vault

My paws were ready to rest after the long walk back from town through the quiet dark. Once inside, I waddled straight toward the living room sofa. Tucked beneath an embroidered throw pillow lay an unzipped velvet pouch that had held spare buttons. With patient shuffles, I nudged the soft midnight fabric open and wriggled my rounded body straight inside. Resting my chin over the padded lip, the deep silence of the room wrapped around my seams like an ancient underground sanctuary. I closed my eyes, safe and still.