A Gentle Tap
The overhead lights hummed softly across the pale tabletop. My fingers, locked in a peace sign, suddenly relaxed with a quiet warmth. I took a slow breath, blinked at the vast room, and eased my right arm downward. Right beside me stood a small friend in a green hoodie, completely motionless. Taking a quiet step closer, I lightly tapped the sleeve of that green hoodie with my knuckle. No answer yet, just steady silence. I stepped back, leaned my weight comfortably onto both sneakers, and settled in to keep company.