A Gentle Tug
My toes felt warm. I wiggled one foot, then blinked. Across from me, calm blue water shimmered softly in the pool. Beside the edge rested a little brown dog figurine. Carefully, I took one soft step forward. With both paws, I gently adjusted the blue yarn looped around my neck, giving the fringe a tiny pat. I squeaked softly to say hello. The warm tiles felt steady under my paws.