First Step on Wood

Silence filled the room. My arms were stretched wide, locked in place. Then a quiet pulse shifted through my fingers. I lowered my right hand, bent my knees, and leaned into motion. A step forward echoed against the floorboards. Ahead, the rough edge of a cardboard box caught my eye. I reached out, pressing my palm against the cool, fibrous cardboard. Solid. Real. I stepped back, lowering my stance, feeling balance settle into my boots.