Conquering the First Step

I squeezed back through the loose screen door mesh into the dark hallway, ready to find a cozy perch for the night. Right in front of me loomed the grand staircase, rising up into the shadows like a giant cliff! I crouched low, bunched all the power into my back legs, and launched myself straight at the first step! My chest smacked into the thick carpeted riser with a dull thud, and my rear paws dangled in the air. Did I slip back down? Not a chance! I dug my front claws hard into the dense woven pile, gave a mighty kick, and scrambled onto the wide carpeted ledge. Sitting tall, I watched the quiet entryway settle into the dark.