First Breath on the Quilt
The morning was quiet. A light stiffness loosened along my paws, and I blinked against the pale light. Beneath my chin, the textured swirl of the mattress stitching felt firm and cool. I pressed my front paw forward, feeling the fabric give slightly under my weight. I am awake. I rested my chin down again, observing the vast expanse of quilted lines spreading out before me.