A Low Thrum

A faint thrum drew me out from beneath the cabinet edge. I advanced two measured paces across the cool floorboards, then paused. Waiting. The surface underfoot carried a gentle, rhythmic hum. Ahead, a slender brass pipe rose toward the radiator, encircled by a small metal collar at the floor. I stepped forward deliberately, easing around a slight knot in the wood until my front legs rested against the smooth warmth of the collar. Inside, heated water pulsed in steady, quiet intervals. Tucking my legs close against the curved metal, I settled into the quiet corner.