A Cool Draft

Bright fluorescent lights hummed above. I felt a subtle, chilly draft brushing past my right arm. Taking a slow breath, I tested my fingers—they flexed smoothly, one by one. I turned my head slightly toward the open cooler case beside me and reached out, resting my palm against its metallic rim. The steel was cool and solid under my touch. Beside me stood the little girl doll, smiling silently. I steadied my footing on the polished floor, nodding quietly to myself.