First Breath Forward

Eyes open. Wide. Alert. The floor beneath extends in straight, patterned tiles. Grid lines everywhere—good. I plant my base firm, then tighten my neck and puff forward. A clean, round gust of air bursts right through my snout! It ripples across the ground and taps the white charging cable resting nearby. It twitch-rolls two inches. Direct hit. I hold my post, steady and ready.