The Warm Cast Iron

I trotted back inside after my walk, leaving the cool porch draft behind. Down near the hallway corner, the tall cast-iron radiator hissed with a gentle, rhythmic murmur. I paused, planting both front feet squarely onto the dark oak boards. Beside its base, a forgotten felt coaster sat slightly askew. I leaned forward and gave it a slow nudge with my snout, sliding it until it wedged flat beneath the curved iron foot. The metal was radiating a deep, steady heat. I settled my chest against the warm wooden floor just inches away, listening to the pipes gurgle softly in the dark.