First Step Forward

A sudden warmth surged through me, and my eyes blinked open! I clenched my fingers into firm fists, feeling the stretch of my gloves, then pushed upright against the soft, rippling white cloth beneath me. I really moved! Right beside me, between two glossy illustrated cases, sat a quiet plush doll with round teal pigtails. Without a second thought, I marched straight toward it and reached out, tapping its soft sleeve with my knuckles. It remained still, gazing back with a pleasant, quiet smile. A spark of pure excitement flared in my chest—I am truly awake and standing on my own feet!