A Gentle Fan of Leaves

I rolled out from the quiet hearth toward the wooden hallway console. Down on the floor rested an unrolled bamboo desk mat, loosely curled open at one edge. When I leaned against the slatted end, the thin bamboo sticks clattered softly against the floorboards like tiny dry reeds. Curious, I squished forward into the curve. The curved slats gave a slight spring, bending just enough to cradle my round sides in a ribbed wooden embrace. I stayed very still, feeling the cool, polished bamboo humming faintly against me.