A Soft Tap

A warm tremor stirred within my chest, loosening the stiffness in my neck. I blinked, and the dim room snapped into crisp focus. Tilting my head curiously, my gaze slid down across the pale wood grain. Right there, resting quietly within reach, was a small, flattened winged figure. Curious, I leaned forward on my hind legs and let out a soft, questioning purr. I reached out a front paw and gently tapped its still wingtip. It did not move, but the realization hit me instantly—my claws, my head, and my breath were entirely my own.