A Quiet Nudge

A faint warmth glowed above. I opened my eyes, surrounded by tall, straight wooden walls. I stayed still, listening carefully to the calm room. Then, I tried my flippers. They shifted. The polished wood underneath felt wonderfully cool and steady against my belly. Taking a slow, measured breath, I nudged myself forward just an inch. My nose tapped the smooth vertical divider panel. It was firm and cool. Reassured by its solid surface, I rested my chin back down, listening to the gentle air around me.