A Gentle First Push

A tiny mechanical pulse ticked inside my chest, and my joints clicked softly awake. I looked down at my hands—sturdy, mismatched, and full of quiet power. Lying flat on the grey fabric among my quiet companions, I tested my strength. I dug my left heel down, turned my torso, and pushed gently against the soft cloth to lift my shoulders. Seeing the wolf figure lying silently beside me, I reached out my purple hand and gave its still shoulder a light, reassuring pat. We are all safe here.