First Rattle

Ih! Cold wood beneath my paws. My ear twitches up—flick! It moves! I reach out and grab the white wooden spindle right next to me. Squeeze hard. Sturdy! I give it a sharp shove. Clack-tap! A solid hollow knock echoes down into the stairwell. Ha! I made that sound. My legs brace against the floor, claws gripping firm. I'm awake!