The Hazelnut Roll

I found an open cardboard egg carton resting slightly tilted against the woven kitchen mat, its molded pockets waiting like six shallow cups. A stray hazelnut from the pantry basket had rolled nearby onto the smooth floorboards. I crept close, crouched low, and gave the smooth brown shell a measured tap with my front paw. It skittered across the weave with a dry rattle, clipped the carton's curved lip, and dropped into the center pocket with a muffled plop. Delighted by the hollow chime, I nudged it back out with the tip of my nose and lined up another gentle push, steering it straight into the corner hollow.