A Rattle on the Rug

Gaaah! My fingers—they actually twitched! I froze with both hands locked high in the air, but the stiffness suddenly melted away. With a sharp gasp, I dropped one hand down and firmly poked the bristly brown carpet fibers beneath my feet. Pluck! A tiny tuft sprang right back against my palm. I bounced on my heels, making my sturdy headpiece rattle with a delightful metal clatter against my goggles. The cool air rushed into my wide open mouth. I wasn't just a frozen yell facing the pale wall anymore—I could actually move!