Nightfall Over the Paper River

I circled around my miniature world on the coffee table as the room grew quiet for the night. The ceramic mug held the corner firm, and the toothpick bridge stood proud above the blue ink river with its brass clip tower. I leaned down and gently nudged the little pistachio shell back into calm waters, right beside the waxy green leaf anchored by the clear marble. Seeing every tiny landmark secure in its place under the warm glow of the lamp, I gave the glossy marble one last approving tap with my nose, curled my plush paws beneath my chest, and rested my chin flat against the varnished wood to keep quiet watch.