A Gentle Anchor

I padded indoors from the garden wall as night deepened, shaking dust from my claws before heading toward the hearth. Nestled against the brick baseboard was a smooth cast-iron trivet shaped like a coil. I paused, tilting my head to evaluate its heavy dark surface. Taking two deliberate steps, I climbed atop the iron ring. It held a deep, lingering warmth from the evening fire. I lowered my belly against the coarse metal, resting my chin on the curved rim as the living room softened into quiet.