First Step Forward

My paws tingled. I blinked, and the room became sharp and real. Right in front of me, four plush figures stood propped in a tidy line against a soft beige blanket. I took a tentative step forward. My tail gave a tiny, involuntary flick! Stepping closer across the blue patterned rug, I reached out and gently bumped my nose against the blue hedgehog plush's red shoe. It felt firm and still, but I could move. I am really here.