A Gentle Breath in the Seat

The air felt quiet and warm around me. I blinked at the diagonal blue strap stretching across the dark seat, wondering how long it had been there. Slowly, I tested my plush fingers, watching them curl and uncurl with deliberate care. I reached out a cautious hand to brush the sturdy woven fabric of the seatbelt running right behind my back. It was real, smooth, and firm. I let my hand settle gently against my leg, taking a soft breath and resting right where I stood, listening to the calm silence.