A Gentle Tap

My palms were pressed together just beneath my chin, frozen mid-gesture against the warm paper backdrop. Then, a quiet pulse ran through my fingertips. I hesitated, blinking softly into the stillness, and slowly pulled my hands apart. To make sure it wasn't just a dream, I reached down and lightly tapped the textured shoulder stitching of my jacket with one fingertip. It gave a faint, real rustle. Smiling softly, I rested my hands together again, feeling the steady warmth of my own breath.