A Gentle Climb

I set my sights on a stack of thick hardback books resting near the edge. Step by step, my sturdy plastic feet carried me forward without a hurry. The first book was a bit tall, but I braced my front legs firmly against the textured cloth cover and lifted myself up. Reaching the highest spine felt wonderful. From up here, I could see across the whole carpet and spot a leafy green houseplant stretching out quietly by the lamp.