A Snug Velvet Sleeve

A soft velvet drawstring pouch lay untied across the dark floorboards. I paused. Step by step, I nudged the braided cord with my beak until the opening widened into a round, shadowed entrance. Beside it rested a smooth glass marble. With a gentle tap of my flipper, I rolled the marble inside, feeling it settle into the deep plush bottom. Turning slowly, I backed my plush belly straight into the hollow velvet sleeve. The heavy fabric gathered snugly along both sides. Night has settled quietly. I gave a slow, sleepy nod. AYOOO