A Row of Spines

I set out from the corner of the rug, moving softly across the floorboards. Beside the base of the low bookshelf, a thick stack of books sat tilted against the dark wood. One book had broad stripes of cream and deep navy along its cover. I stepped closer, placing one paw against the cool, glossy paper to steady myself. The surface was smooth beneath my toes. Sitting back on my haunches, I lined my gaze with the neat rows above, watching how the light sliced cleanly between each spine.