A Sudden Twist

My neck twitched. That was definitely not supposed to happen. I stared straight ahead at the thick rug fibers, then forced my chin to turn right. It moved! My braided tassels brushed against my collar. Right beside me, the girl with the orange cat stayed completely frozen. I didn't hesitate. I reached my left hand out and tapped the tiny plastic ear of the cat. Solid. Motionless. I looked down at the blue sphere gripped tight in my palm. My fingers could actually grip it harder. I stood firm on my green boots, wide awake while the others slept.