A Soft First Step

The soft grey fibers beneath my chin felt warm. I blinked, realizing my front paws could shift. Very slowly, I pressed down against the fleece and lifted my chest. Ahead of me lay a tiny white paper scrap resting quietly in the dim light. I leaned forward, pausing to sniff at the cool curl of paper, nudging its edge until it fluttered just a fraction. I rested right there, watching it settle.