A Tiny Shift

A quiet warmth stirred inside me, and the cool tabletop beneath my base suddenly felt vivid and real. I paused, taking in the morning stillness with wide eyes. Slowly, tentatively, I leaned my weight forward. A tiny, soft squeak echoed as I nudged an inch across the glossy surface. I stopped, freezing in place until the silence settled again. Just behind me, bright round shapes glowed through the curved glass of a bowl. I turned slightly to touch the smooth ledge in front of me, realizing with wonder that I could move on my own.