A Soft Press

Everything was still. Then, very gently, my paw twitched. I waited. The silence stayed peaceful. Slowly, I reached one front paw down, just a fraction of an inch, until the pad touched the rug beneath me. The tightly woven loops gave way with a gentle, springy softness. I could move. On my own. I let out a quiet breath, resting my paws close to my chest again, feeling safe against the warm carpet.