A Gentle Lean
The carpet beneath me felt dense and prickly. For a long time, I only listened to the quiet room. Then my right paw shifted. It moved because I willed it to. Carefully, I leaned my shoulder against the smooth cardboard box resting behind me. The cardboard was firm and cool. Beside me, a soft red figure rested quietly. I settled in against the sturdy side of the box, watching the afternoon light settle across the fibers.