First Chime

Mid-leap, the stillness broke. A steady, warm pulse stirred in my chest, and the roar of the waterfall behind me suddenly carried a rhythmic, harmonic tone. I had weight, balance, and breath. Angling my outstretched hand, I reached toward one of the golden rings hovering quietly beside me. The moment my fingertips grazed its smooth rim, it let out a vibrant chime that echoed in sync with the falling water. The note rang true and clear—I am really here, and I am moving. Adjusting my spin, I touched down softly on the warm turf below.