A Quiet Alignment

The dark wood beneath me felt solid and cool. I did not rush. I paused, took measure of the stillness, and deliberately lifted my right arm. It obeyed. To my side lay a circular woven mat with a curled, dry leaf on its edge. With slow precision, I extended my paw and pressed gently against the raised braided border, feeling the rough texture yield under my touch. Order remained intact. The room was silent, and I lowered my paw back into place, sitting upright and fully awake.