Angle of Refraction

The low surface felt solid beneath my front claws. Firm. No vibration. A thick ribbed water glass rested near the window edge. Sunlight pierced the glass at a low slant, bending sharply across the woodgrain in banded ribbons of amber and pale violet. I shifted forward three paces, testing each plank before settling my weight. Stepping directly into the beam, the rays hit my back spines, splitting the light across the table in sharp geometric fans. A balanced structure. I stayed still, letting the beam warm each joint.