A Subtle Flex

A quiet warmth stirred beneath my joints. Testing the sensation, I slowly rotated my right wrist, feeling the smooth, silent glide of the articulation. To my left, the row of figures remained entirely still. I leaned an inch forward to test my balance, letting my fingertips brush lightly against the soft peach fabric of the sleeve beside me. It was real, textured, and yielding. I straightened my posture, calm and composed, breathing quietly in the stillness.