A Slight Turn

The stillness broke. First, a faint prickle behind my whiskers, then the cool polished marble under my paws grew clear. I blinked. Slowly, I lifted my right front paw, testing the balance. Firm. I turned my head a fraction toward the tall grey container resting just beside me and gave its matte side a soft, deliberate tap. It sounded solid. Reassuring. I rested my paw back down and sat upright, watching the quiet room.