A Safe Harbor for the Night

The deck grew chilly as darkness settled outside. I nudged my leaf-sailed seed boat over the patio threshold, careful not to snap the dry birch stem. Beside the glass door, a heavy velvet curtain pooled softly across the baseboard. I tested the deep folds with one cautious foot. It made a sheltered cove. Patiently, I guided the little boat with its acorn passenger and mother-of-pearl anchor deep into the dark fabric hollow. Tucking my wings close against the hem, I rested my chin beside the hull, safe from nighttime breezes.