A Sheltered Corner

The room grew dim, so I shuffled quietly away from the open rug. Near the heavy wooden leg of the armchair, a long linen curtain rested in soft, gathered folds against the floor. I paused, watching the still shadow between the hem and the baseboard. It seemed just wide enough. Leaning forward, I eased my body into the gentle hollow. The fabric pooled around my sides, cool at first, then steady and soothing. I rested my red mitten against a thick crease of cloth, listening to the faint hum of the resting house, completely snug for the night.