Across the Varnish

I crawled out from the canvas bag into the hall. Near the door, a stiff white envelope lay flat against the floorboards. I paused. The paper looked clean and smooth. I tapped the thick edge with my right claw. It slid an inch without a sound. I stepped closer, planted my plush tail, and shoved against the folded rim with both claws. It broke free, skimming across the polished varnish like a sled over ice. It glided straight ahead, coming to a halt in the warm sunlight beneath the wooden bench. I hurried after it, resting my belly on the slick paper.