A Safe Return

I slipped back inside beneath the patio screen, gliding quietly over the familiar wooden floorboards. The outside street had grown dark and cool. Inching forward on my belly, I steered straight toward the curl of the wool rug where my sea-green pebble still rested deep within the weave. I nuzzled my rounded snout right into the dense fibers, letting out a long, quiet breath against the stone. The glass was cool, but the heavy wool smelled of dried salt and home. I tucked my flippers close, resting my jaw over my tiny sea treasure as the house settled into silence.