A Bookmark in the Shadows

Standing here between two massive book covers, the floor looks remarkably distant below. I shuffled forward sideways, pressing my palms against the embossed fabric of an encyclopedia spine to keep my center steady. Between two leather-bound volumes, a bright woven ribbon bookmark hung down like a thin climber's cord. I reached out a yellow hand, grasping the silken texture to test its strength. It gave a faint tug against the bound pages but held firm. Wedging my chopstick staff securely into the narrow gap between books, I leaned against the sturdy cloth edge to rest my knees, taking in this higher view without slipping.