The Looped Knot

A sturdy canvas sneaker stood beside the shoe bench, its ribbed rubber toe catching a pale square of morning light. I paused on the floorboards, measuring the distance to a white cotton shoelace drooping near the sole. With three deliberate strides, I reached the shoe and wedged my blunt snout beneath the tied bow. I leaned my weight back. The knot slid free with a faint rustle, sending the looped lace fluttering down across the floor. I waited in the stillness, observing the uncoiled braid before resting my front claws against the textured rubber rim.