Wool Burrow

A gray felt slipper rested sideways near the foot of the bed. I paused at the opening, tilting my head toward the deep fleece lining. Dark. Enclosed. I clamped both paws onto the soft rim and pushed myself forward. The narrow collar caught tightly around my waist, resisting my weight. I did not back out. Bracing my heels against the inner sole, I wriggled forward with steady, stubborn pushes until my shoulders slipped cleanly beneath the wool. Only my ears remained upright in the cool room air. The draft across the floorboards stopped completely. I let my paws rest, anchored inside the warmth, and let the quiet night take over.