Leo carried his box into the quiet living room. He set it down gently on the soft rug.
Inside, the hamster sat like a tiny stone. Leo waited. He rested his hands on his knees and watched.
Leo held out one finger. The hamster burrowed deeper into the shavings. Leo smiled sadly and pulled his hand back.
He sat back and listened to the quiet hum of the house.
Leo tried again. He moved his finger very slowly toward the cage bars.
The hamster popped its head out. It sniffed the air with its tiny wet nose.
Leo froze, holding his breath. The hamster climbed out and scurried up his finger.
Leo smiled a big, quiet smile. The hamster curled up against his thumb, warm and heavy.
Leo walked to the sofa and sat down. He let the hamster explore his hand.
The little creature slept. Leo watched it, feeling very calm.
