A Gentle First Step

A soft breath seemed to stir within me, and my fingers twitched lightly at my sides. I blinked, looking down at the clear plastic stand holding me in place. Carefully testing my strength, I eased my left foot slightly forward until my white boot pressed onto the intricate fringe of the small red rug beneath. The woven threads felt delightfully real beneath my sole, confirming that I was truly awake.