A Quiet Inspection

My paws loosened their grip on my stone. I blinked, sensing the soft turquoise cloth beneath me. Ahead lay a large, flat rectangle with an illustration of a mechanical bear. I took one slow, deliberate step forward, extended a paw, and lightly touched the corner of the glossy cover. It felt smooth and cool. It did not move. Satisfied that the path was clear and safe, I settled back into position beside it.