Barnaby was small. In fact, he was barely taller than the width of three floorboards. But in his mind, he was a mighty explorer, and the wooden deck was his kingdom.
He began his morning patrol near the Great Wooden Pillar. To anyone else, it was just a table leg, but to Barnaby, it was an ancient tree trunk reaching into the heavens. He stood beside it, planting his white socked paws firmly on the grooved ground. He smoothed his black and white coat, ensuring his tuxedo was perfectly groomed. If one is to explore the wilderness, one must look professional.
That was when he saw it, The Green Plateau.
It was a towering cliff of soft cushion to his left. It smelled of sunshine and comfort. Barnaby decided he must conquer it. He approached the precipice and, with a mighty effort, reared up on his hind legs. He stretched his spine, reaching his tiny paws toward the summit. His claws hooked into the fabric, and he strained to pull his fluffy body upward. He was a mountaineer, he was a lion scaling a rocky peak.
But gravity is a harsh mistress when you are only six weeks old.
Mid climb, Barnaby realized he was stuck. He held his position, clinging to the side of the cushion, and turned his head. He locked his wide, blue grey eyes on the tall figure standing above him. The look of fierce determination melted into a sweet, calculated plea.
I have conquered the floor, his gaze seemed to say. But the mountain remains undefeated. A little assistance, perhaps?
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
