A Snug Velvet Sleeve

My paws trotted quietly back indoors from the apothecary step, eager to find a soft refuge away from the night air. Down in the dim corner beside the woven magazine basket, a thick velvet hot-water bottle sleeve had slipped onto the oak floorboards. It was deep forest green, embossed with a neat pattern of tiny round dimples. I paused, tilting forward to inspect its cushioned rim before giving the opening a polite nudge with my snout. It parted with a quiet, velvety sigh. Shuffling my round tummy forward, I eased inside until the plush fabric wrapped gently around my back, settling me into the quiet night.