A Sudden Pop

A small strip of clear bubble wrap lay on the floorboards beside an open delivery box. I paused. I tilted my head to inspect the neat rows of rounded plastic domes. One puffed bubble caught a sliver of morning sun like a shiny bead. Stepping closer, I leaned forward and pressed both paws firmly onto its center. It resisted for a second, then gave way with a sharp, muffled pop. The sudden snap tickled right through my plush paws. I lifted them carefully, watching the crinkled circle stay flat while the quiet settled back into the room.