A Linen Tent

My hands reached for the folded linen handkerchief resting near the reading lamp. Gathering two corners, I lifted the cloth up and carefully draped it over the arched bridge of a pair of folded tortoiseshell glasses. The little frame wobbled, then held firmly in place. I smoothed the hem against the polished wood so it wouldn't slide, then ducked low and eased myself inside. The lamplight poured through the open weave, turning the linen into a warm, glowing canopy over my head. Sitting back against the quiet grain, I let out a soft breath. It felt like my very own miniature tent.