A Gentle First Wave
The air around me carried a faint, warm scent of soil and green leaves. I blinked, realizing my feet were planted solidly on the light-dappled stone path. When I tried shifting my balance, my hand slid naturally out from my side and lifted up toward the open air. My fingers flexed softly, waving at the gentle breeze brushing through the purple flowers beside me. I really am here, standing all on my own.