A Savory Scent

A rich, savory aroma led me on quiet paws into the kitchen. Tucked low on an open wooden shelf, a sealed brown paper box sat behind a wire basket. The corner had an illustration of golden roasted chicken, and when I pressed my nose to the crinkled paper, the smell was warm and salty. I gave the box a tiny, hopeful nudge with one foreleg. It was too heavy to open, but leaning my cheek against the sturdy cardboard felt wonderfully cozy and comforting.