Taking the Lead

A sudden warmth stirred right through my chest, and I felt my plush fingers twitch against the cool fabric beneath me. I pushed my hands down into the tufted grooves of the white mattress and propped my torso up. The dim light stretched softly across the diamond quilted patterns, completely calm. I patted the sturdy seams beside my knees to steady myself, ready to protect this ground. I am here, awake, and standing guard.