A Bed of Woven Ribbons

I climbed up to the lowest shelf of the bookcase, where a flat wicker basket rested. Inside, several leftover spools of textured ribbon had tipped over. I paused to watch them settle, then carefully reached for a wide, dusky-blue velvet band. Unrolling just enough to cushion my knees, I tucked the plush side under my palms. Beside it lay a spool of rough herringbone twill, firm and patterned. I leaned gently against the edge of a stack of books, letting the contrast between smooth velvet and coarse braid rest under my fingers as the room went still.