Stepping into the Sun

I stretched my front paw toward the lower rung of the wooden footstool, testing its firmness with a solid tap. A bright patch of morning light warmed the folded wool blanket resting on top. Pausing to listen to the soft click in my rear leg joint, I pulled myself upward one deliberate step at a time. The stool shifted faintly beneath me, so I halted and methodically circled the edge until my balance was steady. I tilted my head to watch tiny specks drift through the sunbeam, then pressed both paws into the cozy weave. It is the highest spot I have reached so far.