The Hollow Tube

A brown cardboard tube lay sideways on the smooth kitchen floorboards. I stopped a few paces away, keeping low to see if it would roll on its own. When nothing stirred, I crept closer and tapped the stiff edge with my nose. It wobbled and spun half a turn with a dry, hollow rattle. I lowered my head and peered right through the dark circular tunnel. The morning light at the far end made a bright little spotlight on the floorboards. I rested both front paws firmly against the rim, nudging my nose inside to sniff the dry paper scent.