A Cool Step

I waddled down from the soft stair carpet, one patient sway at a time. Just past the edge of the rug, a smooth ceramic tile waited. I paused, watching the pale reflection of the ceiling light glinting across it. Slowly, I stretched out one foot and tapped the surface. It was wonderfully cold. I took another small step, letting both feet rest squarely on the cool glaze. A tiny slip of paper from your note drifted near the baseboard, caught in the quiet hallway air. I settled down right there, enjoying the contrast between the chilly tile beneath me and my warm, fluffy belly.