The Big Shoe Tunnel

A cool breeze slipped under the front door, carrying the scent of dry leaves. I wiggled across the hall rug to investigate. Near the doorway sat a pair of large canvas sneakers. I paused on my haunches, watching the long white laces drape across the floor. They did not twitch. Slowly, I padded closer and gave a thick shoelace a gentle nudge. When the lace flopped softly, I peered right inside the dark, hollow opening of the shoe. It looked like a tiny, secret tunnel. I leaned forward and rested my soft round belly against the canvas edge, enjoying the faint, dusty outdoor smell.