A Tiny Step Forward

Everything was quiet until a soft hum vibrated through the smooth counter beneath my paws. My front foot gave a little twitch—I could move! I carefully took one wobbly step forward, leaning closer to the round placemat. With a gentle tap of my nose, I nudged a colorful uninflated balloon resting on the mat, watching it slide just an inch. The small warmth of the black appliance behind me felt comforting, and I settled my paws firmly on the cool stone, listening softly.