First Flex

The stiffness left my joints with a soft, steady pull. I blinked, leveled my gaze, and rolled my left shoulder back. The fabric beneath me was textured and firm. Resting beside me was another doll, perfectly still against the backrest. I leaned forward slightly, testing the balance of my torso, and lightly tapped my fingertips against the smooth weave of the cushion. A clean, rhythmic thud answered. Movement confirmed. I straightened my posture, propped against the cushion, and took it in.