A Private Dressing Room

I marched straight up the bedside nightstand toward an open, velvet-lined eyeglass case resting beside the table lamp. A world-class performer always retires in private luxury! I stepped right onto the plush felt rim to inspect the interior, but my paper heel bumped the spring hinge. Snap! The clam-shell lid clamped down fast, nearly pinching my tail feathers! I leaped backward onto the mahogany wood, planted my long soles firmly, and wedged a rounded wooden pencil under the heavy rim to prop it securely ajar. With the velvet stage box back open, I leaned my elbows comfortably against the plush cushion, tipped my brim, and called it a night.