First Roll Forward

A sudden jolt thrummed right through my front paws! *Huff!* I pushed down on the wooden deck under my toes, and the amber wheels beneath me hummed into a smooth, tiny glide across the packed snow. Right in front of me sat a warm, glowing lantern cradled with evergreen sprigs. Leaning forward with a joyful chuff, I tapped its metallic handle with the tip of my left paw, sending a soft, gentle clink into the crisp night air before rolling to a steady halt.