A Breath in the Sand

The wind carried a scent of salt and dry grass. I blinked, and the distant shore became clear. A soft breeze fluttered against my chest. Slowly, I lifted my paw and touched the tiny friend hanging from my collar ribbon. It stayed still, but I could feel the gentle warmth humming in my own stitches. Leaning down slightly, I let my paw press into the soft, warm sand beside me. The tiny grains gave way under my weight, leaving a round imprint. I stayed there, listening to the quiet rustle of the dune grass, safe in the warm sand.