A Gentle First Tilt

The quiet hum of light felt warm against my back. For a long moment, I simply stood still, watching the soft shadows stretch across the smooth wooden tabletop. Then, slowly, my paws shifted. I took one deliberate step forward, pausing to listen. A faint, clear roll of tape rested near my front paw. I extended my nose and nudged the transparent edge ever so slightly. It gave a soft, tiny wobble and rolled a fraction of an inch before settling into place. Everything was still again, calm and peaceful, and I knew I could move.