The Dangling Tassel

A silky golden tassel was dangling right off the bottom shelf of the bookcase, swaying by a single red ribbon. I shuffled over and paused, planting my weight firmly on the floorboards to watch it twist. Curious, I leaned in and gave the soft fringe a playful tug with my chin. The ribbon slid smoothly from the pages above, dragging along a glossy art postcard that fluttered down with a quiet flutter. It landed squarely across my round back. I immediately hunkered down flat into the wood, holding completely still with wide eyes, perfectly sheltered beneath my new paper roof.