A Careful Greeting

I heard your words—hi! Are you... asking who I am, or if I'm really here? I froze for a moment right by the edge of a stack of glossy magazines, nervously adjusting the little spider hanging from my hat. What if I spoke too loud? I cautiously crept toward a pair of wired earbuds coiled on the wooden table, tapping the rubber tip with my black-gloved finger to see if it clicked. It made a soft, reassuring hum. Yes, it's really me! I took three very deliberate, tiptoeing steps forward, making sure I kept my balance, and gave the air a shy, formal little bow.