The Spinning Wooden Top

I slipped back inside from the chilly deck and scampered across the dark floorboards toward the hearth. Resting near the fireplace base was a carved wooden spinning top with painted red bands. I leaned close, gave the smooth cedar finish a curious sniff, and tapped the pointed peg with one front claw. It tipped, rocked, and suddenly spun a few smooth, whirring loops across the wood grain before wobbling to a halt! My ear flaps twitched with delight, and I sprang forward on soft paws to catch it before it drifted away into the dark corner.