A Gentle Tap

My eyes blinked open, and a soft squeak bubbled up in my chest. I wiggled my fingers, amazed that they moved whenever I wanted them to. Tilting forward on the carpet, I took a tiny, wobbly hop. Right beside me, standing firmly against a red box, was a silent, spiky black figurine. With gentle curiosity, I reached out and tapped one of its smooth shoes. The cool plastic felt so solid against my palm. Reassured by the quiet companion, I plopped down happily on the soft rug, humming a contented little babble.