A Smooth Slide

Too many quiet hours spent tucked against the sofa baseboards. Today, I wandered past the living room threshold toward the front door. Near the mat, a small canvas tote rested against the wall. A matte plastic toggle cord hung low from its top hem. I paused, watching the still hallway. Then, with both small padded hands, I pinched the ribbed circular button. A gentle press... the spring yielded. With a slow breath, I slid the bead an inch down the cord, loosening the canvas opening just enough to peek through.