A Solid Heat

I shuffled across the rough balcony floor, taking my time with each heavy foot. Right beside the tall ceramic planter lay a smooth, grey river stone. The midday sun had soaked straight through it. I pushed my round stomach flat against the textured concrete and eased my front claws onto the curved rock. It felt dense and pleasantly hot. A tiny green beetle crawled up the side, paused, and wandered off toward the railing. I stayed put and let out a deep, contented rumble.