A Little Step Closer

Everything around felt still and warm. Then, a quiet hum started deep inside me. I hesitated, breathing in the scent of toasted bread, and gently tested my soft feet against the smooth wood of the table. They moved. I took one slow, careful step forward. Just ahead stood a small clear glass grinder filled with dark little peppercorns. I lifted my hand and lightly tapped the glass with my fingertips, listening to the soft clink it made. I can move on my own now.