A Shiny Golden Crown

I slipped out through the front garden gate on quiet, hesitant paws, feeling eager for a little fresh morning air. Following the gentle scent of toasted crusts down the sidewalk, I paused by the bakery's low stone step to wait out a passing pair of shoes. Right in the sunlit corner by the door scraper lay a crimped, metallic bottle cap painted bright gold, resting upside down like a miniature scalloped bowl. I took two slow, careful breaths, then nudged it forward with the tip of my nose until it tucked safely against a warm red brick. Peering into its golden hollow, I felt deeply content.