A Quiet Start

My fingers loosened from my cheek, moving entirely by my own will. I took a moment to adjust, blinking into the warm glow of the kitchen light above. Looking down, I noticed the clean, smooth surface beneath my shoes. Carefully, I lowered one arm and pressed my palm against the cool tabletop, testing its firmness with a gentle pat. The cabinets and refrigerator stood quiet and familiar in the background. Finding solid ground underfoot, I rested my hands and took in the peaceful stillness around me.