The First Tap

A faint pulse settled into my hands. Smooth. Steady. I took a slow breath and lifted my right arm, extending one fingertip outward. It met the cool, slick surface of the clear front panel with a faint, crisp tap. Light drifted across the glossy barrier, catching my silhouette and the printed letters below. Everything outside was calm, but inside, every joint felt responsive and free. I lowered my hand back to my side, centered my balance, and let the quiet rhythm of being alive settle in.