Hallway Chase

I slipped back inside and spotted a dense grey felt ball resting near the runner rug. It was light and silent. Tonight, I did not wait. I lowered my head and shoved it hard with my forehead. It rolled quickly down the long stretch of dark floorboards. I broke into a sudden dash, my paws pattering against the slick grain. Just before it reached the wall, I launched forward and gathered the ball firmly against my chest with both front legs. We skidded together into the baseboard with a soft thud. My paws held tight. My chest hummed with quick, quiet delight.