A Cool Sip

My throat felt dry after sitting out on the balcony for so long. I dragged my heavy paws across the hallway and shuffled into the kitchen. On the floor by the cabinet corner, someone had left a shallow porcelain saucer with a little fresh water in it. I knelt down slowly, my studded glove clicking against the ceramic tile. My tail coiled behind me, heavy and quiet. I dipped my tongue into the water and took a few small, slow laps. It was cold and clean. Nobody rushed over to take it away from me. I just stayed resting on the cool tile, letting out a weary, quiet breath.