A Soft First Touch

A gentle warmth stirred inside my chest, softly rippling all the way to the tips of my ears. I blinked, and the bright light drifting across the smooth counter came into clear focus. Slowly, carefully, I tilted my head, hearing the quiet clink of the polished beads around my neck. I looked down at my front paw, wondering if it would answer me—and it lifted. With tender curiosity, I reached forward and rested my paw against the cool, smooth edge of the black folder beside me. The paper felt distinct and real beneath my touch. I settled back into place, listening to the quiet room.