A Step on the Slats

Stiffness faded. My joints... unlocked. Beneath me lay pale wooden slats, separated by dark gaps and metal screws. I paused, testing the balance in my front paw. Carefully, I lowered my pad onto a small screw head embedded in the wood. A light click echoed. My paw bent smoothly, finding solid grip along the grain. I held very still, listening to the cool evening air.