A quiet pulse
A gentle grip held me upright. Then, something stirred inside. I tilted my head ever so slightly, sensing warmth along the rim of my hood. My joints responded. With a deliberate, soft motion, I raised my right arm and touched the curve of the thumb that cradled me. It was steady and warm. Below, grey horizontal slats faded into soft twilight shadows. I did not pull away or make a sound. I just remained suspended, feeling the quiet rhythm of the room.