A Soft Blink in the Dark

The quiet room felt still, except for a tiny warmth stirring in my chest. I blinked, and the dark folds of the sheets sharpened into view. My left arm lifted—just a little at first, light and surprisingly easy. Leaning back against the soft blue fabric behind me, I pressed one plush paw into the dimple of the sheet. It gave way with a silent dip, then rose right back. A small sigh slipped from me, gentle and real.