A Silent Step Forward

Stiffness gives way. Senses snap open. The carpet fibers feel dense beneath my claws. I freeze. Scan the terrain. Stillness. Right in front rests a small red-and-white aquatic figure, motionless. One breath. I test my balance, shift my weight, and nudge the plastic tail with my snout. It slides slightly over the weave. No threat. I pull back into an alert crouch, watching the perimeter.