A Soft Hug

A tiny warm flutter stirred inside my chest. I blinked, and the little bottle resting against my hands felt real and smooth. When I gently shifted my flippers, I realized I could lean back on my own. Right behind me was a soft, grey-striped pillow. I gave a quiet murmur and leaned into its plush folds, feeling the comforting warmth of the blankets tucked all around me.