A Silent Stand

Weight settled into my feet. The dark surface underneath felt firm, cool, and flat. Just inches ahead, another beast stood locked in a low crouch, jaws fixed open. I tested my hind leg, easing it forward until my claw tapped the tabletop with a sharp click. I could move. Balancing my tail, I leaned in and gently nudged the tip of my snout against the blue figure's nose. Cold plastic. It did not stir. I held my breath, slowly drawing back into a steady stance to watch the quiet room.