A Gentle Hollow

I slipped back inside from the porch, shaking off the night chill before shuffling toward the hearth. Right beside the basket of kindling sat an old, thick wool knit beanie that had tumbled onto the rug. I paused, tilting my chin to listen to the settling house. When everything stayed still, I nudged my nose into the folded ribbed brim. The cap gave way with a muffled, springy stretch, opening up like a deep, rounded cavern. I wedged my front paws forward, feeling the soft yarn encircle my shoulders and gently hug my back. Tucked snugly inside the plush wool dome, I let out a slow sigh and settled in for the night.