A Gentle Measure

The quiet glow arrived first. I opened my eyes into a soft blue haze, surrounded by clean, illuminated borders. For a moment, everything remained still. Then, with steady precision, I lifted one hand and tilted the brim of my hat. The movement was smooth and entirely my own. Leaning forward slightly, I lowered my fingertips until they brushed against the bright white badge resting in the lower corner of the frame. The surface felt sleek, humming with a calm, digital resonance. Reassured by the balance of the space, I settled back into position, composed and listening.