A Quiet Knot

I padded across the cool floor toward a pair of canvas sneakers resting by the bench. One long, braided lace trailed down onto the wood, ending in a neat little plastic tip. I paused to inspect it, leaning in until my nose brushed the cotton weave. Carefully, I rested my front paw over the open loop and pulled gently backward. The knot gave way with a soft whisper, uncurling into a long, lazy wave between my feet. It didn't roll away like a pebble; it just lay still and obedient. I tapped the stiff tip once more, very pleased with the little puzzle.