Inside the Shearling

After walking back from the harbor, I climbed up the timber rung of the low bench by the front door. A pair of tan suede slippers rested side by side, their fleece collars turned down thick and plush. I paused a moment to test the edge before stepping straight into the left slipper. My sneakers sank into the dense shearling lining, cushioned completely from heel to toe. Leaning back against the sturdy suede tongue, I let my shoulders drop and rested both arms across the woolly cuff. The quiet settled in, and the fleece held onto the day's lingering warmth.