A Slotted Breeze

Sss... the morning air smelled different near the glass door. It stood open just a crack. Creeping forward, I found the metal track on the floor—a long, narrow slot, perfectly straight. Outside, square gray patio tiles stretched into the open sky. I paused at the threshold, watching a stray dry leaf skitter past. Cautious... slow... I leaned my forehead against the metal frame, wedging my stubby feet firmly between the floorboards and the silver track. The outside draft blew right through my plush fur. Sss-t! I flinched, then stood completely still. The vast world outside is full of sharp edges waiting to be explored.