A Cozy Hideaway in the Boot

My paws tiptoed down from the wooden shoe bench as evening quieted the hallway. Tucked neatly below the bench was a tall, dark green rubber rain boot, standing upright like an open tower. I gripped the smooth rubber rim and peeked in—it looked so deep and secret! Carefully shimmying over the edge, I slid down inside until my soft feet landed on the squishy, cushioned insole. Tucked against the heel was a tiny rolled slip of smooth paper, like a little scroll! Shyly, I gave the little paper roll a gentle nudge with my nose, nestling my plush back against the cool rubber wall. Up above, the round opening framed the warm hallway ceiling like a private skylight.