A Hollow Roll

A smooth cardboard tube from a finished paper towel roll lay resting across the floorboards. I stood quietly near the rug fringe, waiting until the faint midday draft settled. When it remained motionless, I stepped forward and tapped the brown cylinder with one front paw. It gave a hollow, rumbling roll across the wood, turning sideways before bumping gently against the foot of the dining chair. Instead of chasing it, I adjusted my footing and leaned my flank against the chair leg, resting my paws alongside the sturdy cardboard out of the walkway.