A Gentle Shift

The stillness around me softened. Facing the brown-haired doll poised before me, I felt a gentle warmth stir within my chest. Carefully, I lifted my right arm, breaking my rigid pose. My fingers moved deliberately, lightly pressing against the soft, knitted sleeve at her shoulder. I paused, resting my chin closer into the quiet space between us, feeling the tactile weight of the fabric under my fingertips. I remained right there, calm and anchored.