A Soft First Step

The quiet room felt gentle. I blinked, sensing the slight warmth of the colorful quilted blanket beneath me. Around my ears, the thin black wire hummed with a tiny, almost hidden vibration. I waited, listening closely. Then, slowly, I flexed my toes and shifted my purple shoes forward. Beside me rested a pink plush unicorn with shiny golden straps. Very gently, I reached out one hand and tapped the smooth golden chain. It made a faint, soft clink. I smiled quietly and settled back against the grey cushion.