A Silent Step Forward

The room was still. Light fell from the window behind me, casting faint outlines across the desk. I felt my front paw lighten, lifting freely from the grooved wooden rail beneath me. I lowered it slowly, testing the grain. Ahead sat a small red wooden engine. With deliberate care, I extended one paw and pressed lightly against its smooth painted rear. It rolled a short distance along the track with a faint click, then stopped. I held my ground, watching the perimeter.