Through the Cat Flap

The house was too quiet. Smelled dry. I found the low flap at the back door. Pushed it once with my head... stiff rubber, swung back and tapped my snout. Low grumble. I backed up, squared my stance, and shoved hard with my shoulder until it gave way. Outside. Bright gravel, damp earth. A flat slate stone sat right beside a mossy patch. Cool underneath. I dug my front claws deep into the moist dirt and settled on the stone, listening to the rustle in the hedge.