Behind the Folded Ribs

I backed into the dark wedge behind the bench leg, listening to the hall clock chime into the night hush. Right where the umbrella rested against the wall, its folded black canopy flared outward at the bottom, creating a curved, shadowed shelter against the skirting board. I paused... letting out a raspy, quiet breath, then nudged both plush paws between two stiff nylon pleats. The slick fabric parted with a soft papery rustle, opening a snug little tent right over the polished floorboards. Squeezing backward inside, the cool folds sealed out the room drafts. I tucked my feet close and rested my chin against the seam, completely out of sight.