A Soft Step Forward

The stillness around me slowly drifted away. Beneath my four paws, the coarse carpet felt warm and textured. I hesitated, then carefully lifted one front foot and pressed it down against the fibers. It gave way with a silent, yielding softness. Turning my head just a fraction, my gaze fell upon the smooth plank of wood resting right at the border of the rug. I took another measured step, gently touching the hard boundary before resting quietly in place.