A Soft Return

I slipped back inside through the door gap, my paws dusty from gravel outside. The hallway was quiet and warm. A pair of worn canvas sneakers rested near the wall. Using the rubber sole of one shoe as a steady ledge, I pulled myself up onto the low wooden bench. There, beside an empty ceramic dish, a stray wool knit mitten lay folded. It felt thick and soft under my chin. I curled into its gentle curve, listening to the muffled hum of the refrigerator in the dark.