A Small Brass Ring

I walked slowly back through the village after leaving the hardware shop, stepping quietly through the front door as the night settled. Pattering across the woolen rug, I was glad to reach the warmth of the stone hearth. Inside my trouser pocket, I found a tiny brass split-ring I had collected from the display crate. Kneeling beside my woven kindling basket, I tucked the smooth metal ring beneath the corner of my green flannel nest, resting it flat against the floorboards. Leaning back against the horn button with tired paws, feeling the familiar quiet wrap around the room, was a very peaceful end to the day.