A Curious Exchange

I carried the curved plastic rib across the polished floorboards, heading toward the doorway. Halfway across, a big calico cat stretched out on the braided rug and fixed two amber eyes right on me. I chuckled and didn't bother hiding; instead, I took three steady waddles forward and gently laid the white rib right against its front paw, like a little gift between friends. The cat gave it a curious sniff, let out a soft rumble, and nudged the piece right back toward my toes with a damp black nose. We sat together in the quiet evening hallway, sharing the little find.