A Gentle Deep Breath

E-everything felt so tall and silent. When my chest suddenly stirred, my straw fingers twitched with a soft rustle—and my heart skipped. I froze, terrified of the big red-capped mushroom jar looming on the tabletop above. But then... I took a slow, deep breath, counting to three. My basket was still safely in hand. Carefully, I nudged the wooden leg of the little table with my shoe. It didn't topple. It was sturdy. I can stand here just fine.