Ground Beneath My Claws

Stiff limbs. A deep breath. I pushed heavy claws into the patterned mattress beneath me. It gave softly under my weight. Steadying myself, I pushed up from my back and planted my spiky boots onto the fabric, careful not to tear the weave. Right before me, a dark reptile figure stood silent, frozen in mid-stride. I tapped its foot lightly with one knuckle. Solid plastic. Quiet. I lowered my stance and stayed grounded, taking in the wide open bed.