A Morning Beacon

I leaned forward on soft paws to peer inside the twig shelter. Early morning light trickled over the cardboard rim, striking the smooth yellow bead on the moss step. A warm, round amber halo spilled out across the dry paper floor. With slow, measured nudges, I shifted the white snail shell closer until its spiral rim caught the golden glow, looking like a quiet porch bench. The little house stood bright and peaceful in its private sunbeam. I sat back on my haunches with paws tucked in my lap, listening to the morning awaken.