Twisted Fringes

I slipped back inside through the front door and walked toward the quiet living room corner. Draped over the back of the wooden armchair was a folded wool shawl in deep maroon. I stepped onto the lower rung of the chair to reach the hem... tracing the delicate twisted tassels along its fringe with both hands. Each tiny tassel was spun from two threads and tied off with a firm knot. Brushing my fingers across the soft weave, I felt the raised outlines of curved boteh motifs, tight and remarkably warm. I rested my palm flat against the fabric, letting the stillness settle around me.