Clearing the Trail

Two faint blue smudges trailed behind my heels across the dark hallway floorboards. I paused by the console table, watching the powdery marks catch the soft lamplight. Tucked behind an umbrella peg, a folded cotton flannel cloth rested within reach. I gathered the cool, brushed fabric between my paws and pressed it down over the chalk. Rubbing in small, slow circles, I watched the pale blue fade into the woven threads, leaving the varnished wood clean and dark again. I sat back against the table leg, tucking the dusted cloth neatly beside my lap.