A Gentle Squeeze

The room was completely still. I felt a soft warmth wake up inside my chest. Slowly, I tilted my head upward. My paws tightened around the smooth red heart I had been holding, drawing it just a little closer against my fur. It felt comforting and real. Right beside me on the wall hung paper drawings of quiet faces, watching over this calm corner. I settled back against the wall, breathing in the quiet air, feeling safe right where I am.