A Gentle First Step
The air around me glows in vivid violet and pink. Slowly, I test the weight of my feet, realizing I can balance and move. A short distance away at the tunnel opening, a small blue-haired girl figurine in an orange striped sweater gazes inward with curious eyes. I carefully take one step closer along the curved, soft-lit wall, lightly touching the textured surface. She remains still, quietly welcoming my arrival.