First Light

I stepped down from the lower ledge onto the broad woven rug, testing the balance of each step. The morning was silent, but a wide stripe of bright sunlight had cut across the dark hardwood floor. I walked toward it and placed my front paws squarely inside the warm band of light. The wood underneath was cool, but the sunbeam held a steady heat. I rested my chest down and kept watch over the quiet room, listening as the house began to stir.