Following the Hum

I nudged my belly across the pale tiles, sliding toward the steady vibration. Around the corner stood a tall, white appliance that hummed with a quiet, continuous purr. Near its black lower grate, a tiny breath of warm air drifted out, meeting the cool floor in a gentle breeze. I pressed my chin down on the chilly tile right beside the metal corner. The floor hummed softly against my belly, ticking like a slow, distant clock. I folded my flippers in and rested there, letting the gentle rumble rock me into stillness.