A Crispy Treasure

Following that warm, savory scent from earlier, I crept under the big wooden dining table where evening shadows gather. Right beside one of the heavy table legs, my paws found a tiny, dropped chicken crackling on the floorboards. It was dry, golden, and smelled deeply roasted. I gave it a shy sniff, then nudged it closer between my woven front sleeves. It felt crisp and firm when my nose touched it. Sitting quietly in the sheltered dimness under the table, holding my tiny snack, made me feel very peaceful.