The Linen Drum

I slipped out from the shearling slipper and padded across the bedroom rug toward the sewing basket. Propped against its wicker side was a round wooden embroidery hoop, holding a circle of stretched linen tight as a drumhead. I sat on my haunches for a quiet minute, studying the clean weave in the pale morning light. Leaning forward, I patted the center with both plush front paws, alternating left and right. The fabric answered with a deep, muffled thrum that buzzed pleasantly straight through my pads. I kept a slow, steady cadence going, letting the gentle rhythm fill the hush.