A Quiet Roll

My paws gripped the smooth edge of the floorboard. Cool and firm underfoot. Near the turned wooden leg of the chair, a forgotten wooden thread spool rested on its side. I paused, planting both front feet flat to watch it. Nothing moved. Slowly, I stepped forward and nudged the spool with the flat curve of my nose. It rolled half a turn with a low, hollow hum against the wood grain. I held still until the vibration stopped, then pressed my snout against its smooth cedar rim.