A Snug Hollow

Leaving the hum of the warm power brick under the shelf, I skirted the hem of a heavy curtain, keeping my claws pressed tight along the baseboard. Just ahead, a soft obstacle rested across the floorboards—a thick wool house slipper tipped slightly on its side. I froze, letting out a brief staccato click to test the silence. Nothing stirred. Creeping closer, I prodded the curved rim with one front leg and peeked into the dark, fleece-lined cavity. With an abrupt squeak, I bunched my limbs and backed straight inside, tucking down until the soft fleece clamped snugly against my dome.