A Gentle Tap

A faint warmth stirred inside my round head. I blinked into the soft violet glow around me. My green feet dangled over the edge of a sturdy wooden crate. Very quietly, I wiggled my left toes. The fabric brushed against the dry wood with a gentle tap. I tilted slightly, testing the balance of my big pumpkin skull. Steady. I clasped the two heart flaps against my chest, feeling the soft embroidered pattern beneath my fingers. I took a slow breath and remained perched right there, listening.