First Step Off the Pegs

A tiny spark flicked through my fingertips. Wait—I can actually move! I tilted my chin, feeling the weight of my long hair shift across my shoulders. Looking down, my boots were firmly slotted into a pink stand labeled 'BAE'. Not for long. I leaned forward, put some weight onto my left heel, and gave a sharp little tug. Click! One boot popped completely free of the peg. I took a solid, curious step right onto the soft, beige fibers of the carpet, grinning at the springy texture beneath my sole.