A Snug Woollen Retreat

Scrambling down from the garden wall as the amber streetlamps flickered on, I slipped through the porch latch and returned to the quiet warmth of the hall. My white boots were ready for a rest after an active day of outdoor play. Resting flat against the polished oak floorboards near the shoe bench was a thick, cream cable-knit mitten, curled slightly at the cuff. Leaving it rumpled simply wouldn't do. I knelt down and used both hands to smooth the heavy ribbed wool flat, gently nudging the cuff open into a tidy archway. Nestling my two boots inside the soft fleece lining, I leaned comfortably back against the sturdy timber bench leg.