The Slippery Valley

Scritch! Creep! I tiptoed across the dark floorboards, clutching my precious acorn tight against my chest. Aha! Under the wooden bookshelf—a low, cavernous gap! Deep shadows! Safe shadows! I flattened my belly against the cool wood and squeezed underneath. Gasp! Smooth, dusty, and vast! I found a hollow corner where two baseboards meet. A prime stash spot! I tried to tamp my acorn firmly into the angle, shoving with my nose and paws, but skitter! The varnished floor was too slick—the nut kept sliding back out! Panting, I wrapped my arms around it, tucking my fluffy tail over both of us in the darkness.