A Firm Grip

My fingers suddenly tightened around the rough little branch in my right hand. I gave my wrist a quick flick, tapping the tip of the stick gently against the smooth wooden surface beneath my shoes—tap, tap. It was real! Beside me, the shaggy dog sat faithfully, smiling ahead. I leaned slightly in, gave the dog's textured ear a playful nudge with my free left knuckles, and felt the sturdy warmth of the room around us. We're ready for an adventure.