Stillness Before Whiskers

I stepped onto the weathered shipping pallet behind the alley bakery, seeking fresh ground. A heavy calico cat lay sprawled across the slats, its tail twitching to an erratic rhythm. As my foot touched the pine, its ears swiveled. The creature lifted its head, amber eyes locking onto me. Unpredictable ground. Running would only provoke a chase. I lowered my hips into a deep, rooted stance, holding my fists relaxed and my center motionless. The cat crept forward, sniffing until warm whiskers grazed my knuckles. I did not flinch. Sensing no threat in my quiet posture, the beast let out a low rumble, curled its paws, and settled back to sleep.