First Step on Wood

The wood beneath my paws felt cool and firm. I blinked. My gaze sharpened on the tall clear bottles standing behind me. Slowly, I lifted a front paw. It moved just as I intended. I shifted my weight and took one deliberate step back, lightly resting against the crinkled side of the plastic water bottle. A quiet click echoed in the stillness. I paused, letting the silence settle again, and looked across the open surface. My paws work. The room is quiet. I remain here, watching.