A Gentle First Touch

The quiet stillness around me softened, and a warm sensation settled into my paws. I paused, taking in the soft shadows of the morning. Slowly, I tried moving my right arm forward, feeling the gentle rustle of my sleeve. Beside me rested a small, fuzzy red octopus. I reached out and carefully tapped its soft head with my paw. It swayed ever so slightly, steady and peaceful. A calm breath seemed to fill me—I was truly here, and awake.