A Slanted Shadow

A tiny vibration freed me from the metal washer. I tilted forward, tracing the slant of the floorboards toward the dining table. Ahead, an empty brown paper gift bag lay fallen on its side, mouth wide open like a tunnel. I rolled right across the folded crease of paper, which crackled softly under my weight. The gentle slope inside guided me out through the twisted paper handle, deflecting my path sideways. I rolled until I nestled snug between the round wooden foot of a low stool and a dropped white plastic button. Noon light glanced off the floor, throwing a bright green oval right into the hollow.