A Gentle Lift
The carpet beneath me felt dense and prickly. For a long moment, everything was quiet. Then, a slow warmth stirred inside my chest. I carefully pressed down with my front flippers. My chin lifted off the woven floor. I turned slowly toward the smooth white baseboard behind me and touched its cool, painted surface with my nose. It was very steady. I rested my paws quietly right there, content in the still corner.