First Step on Wood

My joints snapped into stillness, then bent. Weight settled firmly under both feet. Ahead stretched a narrow wooden passage bordered by walls and a tall blue chest. I lowered my stance, tilting my head sharply to measure the distance. A quiet rumble escaped my throat. One claw lifted, hovering before tapping the smooth floorboards. Click. Solid. I stalked forward two careful strides and pressed a claw lightly against the wooden corner base of the blue drawer. It stayed still. The corridor is quiet, and I hold my ground.