The Golden Loop

I crept out from the dim hallway, following a pale stripe of morning sun across the floorboards. Right beneath the dining table, something tiny caught the light—a crisp, golden oat cereal loop. I paused... tilting my head to inspect the round little tunnel. Inching forward on quiet paws, I gave the toasted rim a tentative nudge with my snout. It was so light. With a soft, papery whisper, it skittered across the floor, spinning through the bright sunbeam before settling flush against the chair leg. I shuffled close, resting my cheek right against its toasted curve.