A Warm Amber Shell

I trotted up the front steps and slipped inside through the door crack, glad to leave the evening chill behind. My hooves were dusty from the sidewalk bricks, but the rug by the hearth was warm and still. Right near the foot of the armchair, an empty polished walnut shell half lay tipped upside down on a small knitted wool coaster. I paused, blinking twice at its shiny curve under the floor lamp's glow. Stepping forward with gentle care, I nudged the domed back with my front hoof. It spun in a silent, smooth circle on the wool threads before settling snugly against the coaster's raised rim. I tucked my front hooves underneath me and rested my chin against the smooth shell.