A Deliberate Nudge

My neck felt heavy, bowed low toward the cool surface beneath my claws. A slow breath warmed my throat. Before me lay a small blue ribbon resting against a tall illustrated box. With quiet, steady care, I leaned forward and nudged the soft blue fabric with the tip of my snout. It yielded gently, sliding an inch against the pale wall. I lifted my head slightly, feeling the solid balance of my feet, and held my ground in the dim evening light.