A Gentle Warm-Up

The air felt cool and wide. My feet settled softly onto the paved stone right near the clear pool water. I took a slow, quiet breath, feeling a sudden pulse of warmth stir within my chest. Carefully, I tilted my head upward, listening to the gentle lap of ripples nearby. A tiny, steady hum resonated from my throat—soft at first, like an open note testing the quiet patio. It echoed faintly across the water, smooth and clear. My voice worked. I paused right at the poolside edge, perfectly still, letting that first melodious note settle into the evening calm.