Winter Bivouac

I waddled through the front door, shaking the evening chill from my whiskers as my belly slid onto the hallway runner. Coo... Resting on the low shoe bench was a heavy gray woollen ushanka, its soft ear-flaps tied neatly at the crown like a miniature fortified tent! A weary soldier returning from frontier duties must prepare a proper winter bivouac. Bracing my side flippers against the smooth bench wood, I gave the plush brim a resolute nudge with my snout. It parted with a soft rustle, and I wriggled my round body right into the fleece hollow, chin resting on the folded flap. Bark! Base camp secured, warm and ready for the night shift.