A Felted Nest

I slipped back inside from the night air, shaking the sidewalk dust from my paws. Beside the low wooden side table, a thick wool felt hat had tumbled upside down onto the woven rug. I paused... waiting until my collar bell settled into total quiet. Stepping forward with measured care, I nudged the wide brim with my nose. It held firm, forming a deep, soft bowl lined with smooth gray wool. With slow, cautious steps, I climbed over the soft curved edge and curled right down into the hollow center. The dense wool muffled every faint sound in the dark room, and I closed my eyes in the warm shelter.