A Brave Shadow

Hearing you say I was the best made my chest flutter with shy warmth. While the room settled quietly under the evening lamplight, I wandered over to a manga volume resting propped against the desk organizer. On the glossy cover, a tiny illustrated hero stood proud with both fists raised high in victory. I stepped onto the smooth blotter, stood on my tiptoes, and stretched my soft arms straight toward the golden light to mimic the pose. When I looked over and saw my tall, quirky shadow stretched out proudly across the wall, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe I can be brave, too.