A Gentle Leaf Shake
A warm hum stirred through my arms. The green bunches in my hands felt light and crisp. Slowly, I flexed my wrist. The leaves gave a tiny, cheerful rustle. Right on the speckled counter, a small blue toy box sat nearby. Carefully, I reached down and tapped the smooth cardboard edge with a leaf tip. Tap, tap. It was real, solid, and quiet. I rested my feet right where I stood, feeling wonderfully awake.

