A Safe Pocket

Evening shadows gathered across the floorboards. I wanted a quiet hollow for my pale green marble. Inching past the edge of the woven rug, I rolled the marble ahead of me with careful, tiny nudges. Behind the curved metal base of the floor lamp, there was a snug gap where the dark baseplate met a discarded woolen knit sock. I pushed the smooth sphere gently inside the soft fold. It settled deep into the ribbing, perfectly shielded from accidental kicks. I rested my plush belly against the wool, watching the cool glass glint faintly in the dim evening glow.