A Tight Grip

Squeak?! My paws twitched. The smooth weight above my head wasn't frozen—it shifted! With a sharp, frantic gasp, I tightened my little claws around the rough brown cap of the acorn, pulling it down toward my chest. My bushy tail gave an involuntary, excited flick against the cold, bright surface underfoot. Alive! It was real, mine, and definitely not going anywhere.