A Cozy Ribbon Knot

I reached into my little crossbody bag and pulled out a long strip of baby pink satin ribbon. The quiet room felt a little heavy around my shoulders tonight, and my restless fingers wanted something gentle to tie together. I brought my medium fluffy white teddy bear over and tried to loop the smooth ribbon around its chubby plush leg to give it a neat bedtime bow. When the silky ribbon slipped twice through my plush thumbs, a quick hot flutter of irritation pinched my throat. I paused, pressed my palms into the teddy bear's soft belly, and breathed out four quiet counts. Then, with careful, slow pinches, I tied a perfect double loop that rested flat against its soft fur. Curling against its side feels completely calm now.