Tank woke up before the sun.
That alone was suspicious.
Usually, Tank stretched once… maybe twice… then settled back into his favorite spot like a rock that had chosen its forever home.
But not today.
Today, Tank was humming.
Not real humming.
More like… shoulder-bouncing, tail-wagging, paw-tapping energy.
By the time the light came through the window, Tank was already practicing a spin.
A full spin.
On hardwood.
He slid.
Recovered.
Cleared his throat like it was intentional.
Across the room, MeMe blinked slowly.
Tuffie lifted one eye.
“What,” Tuffie asked calmly, “is happening?”
Tank froze mid-shuffle.
“Nothing.”
His tail knocked over a pillow.
MeMe tilted her head. “You’ve been dancing since sunrise.”
“I have not.”
He did a small side-step.
Tuffie sat up.
“You absolutely have.”
Tank puffed up slightly.
“It’s the Valentine’s Day Dance.”
Silence.
Then MeMe smiled.
“Ohhhh.”
Tuffie’s whiskers twitched.
“You’re excited.”
Tank tried to look casual.
“I am not excited.”
He did another spin.
Perfect this time.
From the couch, JJ was still asleep, snoring softly, completely unaware of the emotional celebration happening in the room.
Uno wandered in, fur slightly messy from sleep.
He blinked at Tank.
“Why are you moving like that?”
Tank paused.
“I am practicing.”
“For what?”
“For… dancing.”
Uno tilted his head.
“You don’t usually dance.”
“I do when it matters.”
Uno looked confused.
“Does today matter?”
Tank’s expression softened just a little.
“Yes.”
Uno padded closer.
“Why?”
Tank hesitated.
Then quietly:
“I can’t wait to see Lexus smile.”
The room shifted.
MeMe’s eyes grew warm.
Tuffie pretended not to notice, but she definitely noticed.
Uno studied Tank carefully.
“You’re dancing because of her reaction?”
Tank nodded once.
“It’s not about the dance.”
Tuffie flicked her tail.
“It never is.”
Uno sat down.
“So you’re happy before it even happens?”
Tank looked down at his paws.
Then up again.
“Yeah.”
Uno thought about that.
“That’s powerful.”
Tank blinked.
“I know.”
He did another small spin.
Uno tried one too.
Fell over.
MeMe laughed gently.
Tuffie shook her head.
JJ snored.
And Tank?
Tank kept dancing.
Because sometimes…
joy shows up early.
And when it does —
you let it move you.