A Quiet First Step

The wood grain beneath my feet felt solid and cool. I lowered my stance, feeling the weight shift smoothly through my tail. Ahead of me on the boards sat a small black figure with yellow accents, frozen in place. I took a single, deliberate step forward. My claw clicked softly against the timber. I nudged its plastic arm with the tip of my snout, just to check. It held its ground. Calm and steady. I paused right there, taking in the stillness of the room.