A Folded Haven

I slipped back inside through the heavy door, tired from the courtyard's wide spaces. The ground floor was silent. Tucked behind the umbrella stand, an old soft felt slipper was resting upside-down. I paused for a quiet breath, waiting to make sure the hall remained empty. Carefully, I nudged the toe with my plush paws until it turned upright, revealing a dim, hollow cavern lined with sheared wool. I climbed inside, leaning back against the curved heel as the soft warmth settled around me.