A Calculated Click
A soft tension gathered behind me. Slow. Deliberate. The key at my back turned with an even, rhythmic click. I tilted my head upward, adjusting my balance inch by measured inch until my posture aligned cleanly with the room. Before me sat a stacked cardboard box of variety snacks. Reaching out with my right hand, I touched the smooth, flat edge of the carton. It did not shift. Everything remained orderly and still. My gears hold their pace.