A Firm Step

The dark planks underneath felt smooth. Cool, too. I blinked, and the stillness loosened inside my paws. Just ahead, a pale slipper rested across the floorboards. I waited. Nothing moved. So, I took one short step forward. My front paw pressed down, solid and real against the grain. I leaned my nose close to inspect the soft fabric edge of the slipper. A quiet puff of breath stirred the fleece. I planted all four paws right there, watching the wide, silent room.