Weight in the Claws

Silence. A low tremor settled deep within my chest. I shifted my weight, and the thick weave of the pink towel gave way beneath my foot. Real resistance. Directly ahead, another beast stood frozen in mid-stride. I took one steady step forward and touched its blue shoulder. Solid. Unmoving. I drew back slowly, holding my ground, and let the quiet room settle around me. I am awake.