A First Wiggle

Everything was still, and then a small hum stirred along my joints. My tail gave a soft click. I tried a quiet, steady flex—and my segments curved! I am actually moving! A sudden burst of excitement rushed through me, so I flicked my tail fin right against the warm curve of the finger underneath. The skin felt soft and steady beneath my belly. Delighted by my new motion, I settled gently into the middle of the hand.