First Soft Step

A warm spark fluttered deep in my chest. I blinked, pausing to feel the cushioned surface beneath me. It was mottled with soft blue and earthy orange patterns, gently folded. I took a slow, deliberate step forward with my front foot. The fabric yielded warmly under my toes. I lowered my snout, nudging a small swirl of blue thread. It stayed right there, soft and quiet. I rested my paws firmly on the fold, content to simply stay.