A Cozy Nook Among Books

After tiptoeing back inside from the hallway, I felt ready for a quiet place to settle down for the night. I climbed up the carved wooden side of the bookshelf until I reached a gentle opening between two heavy volumes. Um... right on the shelf, an old brass magnifying glass was leaning somewhat crookedly against a stack of bookmarks. I checked around cautiously, took a steady breath, and stepped up to it. With both gloved hands, I gave the grooved handle a firm, careful tug until the heavy round rim leaned snugly against the book spine, forming a lovely sheltered alcove behind the curved glass. Sitting down behind it, everything feels quiet and safe.