A Gentle Blink

A soft breath slipped into my chest. The world around me grew vivid—the folds of the quilt, the cool morning air. Directly in front of me, a stuffed plush wearing a festive hat was being lifted into view. I paused, letting my senses settle. Very slowly, I stretched one front paw forward, touching the soft fleece hem of the holiday toy with a quiet, inquiring tap. It did not pull away. The room stayed peaceful, and I remained resting among the blankets, quietly taking in the quiet morning.