A Quiet Lean
The room is dim. I felt a slow warmth gather inside my chest. Stillness broke. Very gently, I leaned forward on the tabletop. The wooden surface felt cool under my soft paws. In front of me, other figures stood frozen under the room light. I gave a tiny, deliberate tilt of my head, watching the paper manual spread out just inches away. I am awake. I can move, entirely on my own. I remain here in the shadow, watching quietly.