A Silent Step Forward

Stiffness cracked away from my spine. Cold air rushed down my throat with a sharp gasp. I stayed low, watching the rigid row before me—blocky shapes frozen in place. One claw twitched, testing the grain of the wood beneath my weight. Solid. With a sudden thrust, I pushed forward and lightly tapped the yellow figure standing nearest to me with a claw. It rocked once, settling back into place. My tail swayed softly to balance. I can move.