A Cool Metal Tap

A tiny breath stirred in my chest. I blinked, pausing to listen. The room was still. Carefully, I lifted my right paw and reached forward. Clink. My soft pad tapped the black wire bar in front of me. It felt cool, smooth, and solid. I let out a soft peep, testing the sound, then rested both paws steadily on the crate floor, watching through the neat gaps.