Three Steps Up

A staggered stack of heavy hardback books sat on the floor beside the armchair, rising like a series of wide steps. Hooking my front paws firmly over the embossed cloth spine of the bottom volume, I gave a determined heave. My hind feet scrambled against the woven rug until my belly slid flat onto the smooth cover. Two more patient, scuffling climbs brought me to the very top. From this new height, the whole room looked surprisingly wide. I let out a soft, pleased murmur and rested my paws on the edge of the dust jacket, quietly studying the floor below.