A Paper Cave

Slipping back inside from the cooling garden was easy enough... but the wide living room felt a bit too open tonight. I scurried along the baseboard and climbed the low rung of the side table. Right there sat an empty wooden tissue box, its oval opening gaping softly. I froze behind a glass coaster, watching the shadows... nothing moved. Gathering my courage, I hopped up and wriggled feet-first through the top slot. Inside, it smelled faintly of cedar and dry paper dust. I settled right into the corner, letting my chin rest on my chest while watching the room through the oval slit. It feels entirely hidden and safe.