Rolling into the Shade

I gave my blue marble a hearty shove with my front paw, watching it speed across the warm stones—straight under the low garden bench! I didn't hesitate for a single second. Dropping onto my belly, I wriggled right through the narrow gap beneath the bottom wooden rail. The air underneath was deliciously cool and smelled of dry earth. My marble had bumped softly against a weathered pinecone near the back leg, spinning to a halt atop a patch of crispy leaves. I trotted over, nudged it with my chin to make sure it was safe, and settled right down beside it. This shady little den is the neatest hideout ever!