Still Intact

I shuffled forward on all four feet across the rug, determined to prove that I am very much not resting in peace. Near the television stand, a stray shiny red ribbon suddenly drifted off the edge and brushed my shoulder. Sssss—! My core flared and I froze stiff, sparks prickling under my skin. But the ribbon merely settled on the carpet without a sound. I swallowed the heat back down, gave the red curl a tiny poke with my front foot, and let out a soft, relieved hiss into the quiet night.