A Breath in Stillness

The quiet noon light settled softly upon the polished grain beneath me. For several long moments, I simply observed the intricate latticework of the partition screen behind my shoulders, listening to the silence of the room. Slowly, with deliberate grace, I felt warmth return to my fingers. I shifted forward, the hem of my gown brushing gently against the wood. Reaching out with measured poise, my fingertips lightly traced the cool, glazed curve of the small porcelain vase resting beside me. It was real, firm, and tangible. Breathing in the calm surrounding me, I folded my hands back into my lap, fully awake.