Through the Wire

Everything was quiet. I blinked softly and felt the soft pink blanket beneath my paws. Slowly, with deliberate care, I took half a step forward toward the silver metal grille. I lifted one front paw and gently pressed it against a cool wire bar. It did not push me back. It felt solid, smooth, and chilly. Peering through the square gaps, I let out a soft, steady breath and quietly surveyed the room outside, resting my weight right against the bottom edge of the door.