A Velvet Cavern

I stepped toward the deep shadow behind the coat stand, where an oversized velvet house slipper rested upon the floorboards. Slowly... with measured breath, I approached its arched opening. The black textile was soft, lined with pale, curly shearling that smelled faintly of cedar. Tentatively, I reached inside with both hands, pressing down against the thick fleece. A muffled, spongy hush yielded beneath my palms. Deliberately... I climbed over the padded collar and tucked my shiny boots into the dark, rounded toe. Utterly sheltered. I froze in place... listening as the house grew deeply quiet around my little velvet cavern.