A Bedtime Balance

I nudged my way off the low shelf and scooted across the floor toward the bedside end table before the night settled completely. On the bottom tier, a soft knitted wool blanket lay partially unfolded, tumbling off the dark wood edge in disorderly folds. Creeping forward, I worked my square corners beneath the thick knit, gently tucking the trailing fringe back onto the flat shelf. Once the fringe was neat and contained, I settled my full weight firmly over the middle fold, pressing the airy wool into a smooth, even cushion. Tucked into the small nook, I can feel the soft rise and fall of the quiet room.