Through the Gap

I pushed against the balcony door with both front paws until the crack opened wide enough for my round tummy. Stepping through onto the cool grey outdoor tiles, the breeze felt lively. A heavy ceramic flowerpot sat nearby with tiny, damp pebbles scattered around its base. I knelt down and rolled a smooth, grey river stone between my paws. It was cold and slightly gritty. I rolled it gently toward the rail shadow, watching it settle neatly into a groove between two tiles.