The Soft Paper Tent

I scrambled up onto the bedside table after walking back inside from the marina and spotted a square tissue box resting right beneath the warm lamp. Hooking my curved hands onto the edge of the poking sheet, I braced my rigid boots against the patterned cardboard top and gave a firm tug. Shhh-pop! The crisp white tissue slid through the plastic slot with the gentlest whisper, fluttering down like a giant soft tent over the nightstand. I smoothed the crinkled paper flat across the polished wood with both palms, stepped onto the plush center, and pulled a folded corner over my waist. Settling down into the paper hollow made the quiet room feel completely cozy.