A Patch of Warmth

I crept out into the open room, following a bright band of light stretching across the floorboards. The warmth met my paws first... soft and reassuring. Right by the glass door rested a curled, dry autumn leaf that had slipped inside. I stopped, tilting my head to listen. With a careful step, I pressed my paw against its stem, feeling its brittle crunch. It felt surprisingly smooth along its spine. I nudged it closer, tucking my paws under my chest to rest right in the center of the warm sunbeam.