In a quiet house wrapped in evening hush lived a creature of pure midnight velvet. His coat drank every stray beam of light, leaving only two brilliant golden lamps to mark where his gaze rested.
When shadows grew long he claimed the thick gray carpet as his grand stage. Legs flung wide to the ceiling, tail swept in a lazy arc he became a living starburst of relaxation, declaring without a sound that comfort was his birthright.
As dawn slipped through the windows he flowed to the wooden floor beneath a slanted table. There he stretched to impossible length, one paw resting across his chest like a scepter, chin lifted toward secrets only he could see in the rafters. A forgotten ball of yarn rolled past, he granted it not even a glance.
Later, seeking higher vantage, he climbed to the soft edge of the stairs. Body extended in perfect line, paws framing empty air below, he surveyed the levels beneath him with the calm certainty of someone who had already won every possible argument about territory.
When evening circled back he descended once more, this time to the center of a wide, gray sheeted bed surrounded by bright ribbons, scattered toys, and half opened cartons of glittering treasures. Onto his back he rolled, every limb stretched to its fullest reach, belly open to the world in absolute trust. Golden eyes half closed in pure contentment, tail tip flicking a slow rhythm of satisfaction.
Through every outrageous sprawl and luxurious flop the velvet sovereign proved one unshakable truth, true rule requires no crown, only the perfect position and the unshakable confidence that the entire space exists for no other purpose than to cradle his comfort.
And so the midnight velvet continued his quiet, glorious reign one breathtaking stretch at a time.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
