A Click in the Dark

Cold air cut across my ribs. Held fast by the metal rods beneath my spine, I stayed tense and still, testing the rigid weight of my frame. Slowly, I flexed my lower jaw until bone met bone with a sharp, hollow click. Across from me, my sprawling shadow shifted against the rough cave wall. Lowering one outstretched forepaw, my claw lightly scraped the dusty platform, sending a tiny pebble tumbling over the stone edge. The rattling vibration hummed clear through my joints. I am here, rooted yet awake.