A Bed in the Quilted Sleeve

I pushed back through the unlatched front door, slipping over the cool brass threshold into the dim apartment. Night had quieted the whole floor. Near the base of the shoe bench, a heavy quilted chore coat had fallen sideways from its peg, pooling over the dark oak boards. One padded sleeve lay wide open like a small, insulated tunnel. I paused, watching the shadowed curve settle in the amber hall light. Taking two slow, deliberate steps forward, I guided my front paws straight inside the cuff. The thick cotton padding embraced my jointed legs with comforting softness. I curled my tail close, resting my chin against the warm flannel lining while the night deepened.