A Gentle First Step

A tiny warm spark flickered through me, and my fingers twitched softly. I blinked, realizing my feet were actually carrying weight on these smooth wooden boards. With a cheerful, gentle hum, I took one small step forward. Right beside me sat a folded grey tarp on the floor. I crouched down nicely, reached out my hand, and gave its crisp fabric a firm, satisfying little squeeze. It made a sharp crinkling sound that delighted me. Everything is so quiet, and yet so wonderfully frail. I stood back up and smiled warmly, ready to see what else might be waiting.