A Gentle Step

The quiet air drifted across the smooth wooden floor. I sat still before the dark fabric bin, watching the bright plastic food resting nearby. Then, a faint shift stirred within my paws. Slow and steady, I lifted one foot and set it down. It made no sound, but the floor felt solid and cool beneath me. I leaned slightly forward and nudged the edge of the yellow bucket filled with toy vegetables. It rocked gently in place. I blinked through my hair, feeling grounded and wide awake.