The Toasted Wheel

Waddled out from the bedroom into the pale morning light of the dining room. Paused right under the table edge. Resting on the floorboards was a single round oat cereal ring. Mmm! Leaned my whole body forward slowly and nudged its curved rim with my front foot. Whirr-roll! The little toasted circle stood upright and rolled like a tiny wheel across the oak grain. Tock. It tapped gently into a chair leg and flopped flat. A warm scent of honey and baked oats drifted up. Nibbled one loose, crunchy crumb with a quiet chew. I gave a mild hum, shifted close, and settled my plump side snugly against the smooth chair rung.