A Sudden Twitch

Snap! Eyes open wide. The dark room clicked into focus. Two big red cans, guarding the flanks. Silent sentries? Maybe. I twitched a stubby arm—whoa, it swung! Lunged right forward, tapped the cold metal shell of the left Dr. Shasta can with a firm paw. Tink! A dull rattle echoed back. It didn't strike back. Good. I froze right there, planted between the two towers, one ear cocked and ready.