Fibers and Balance

Consciousness arrived without warning. My joints unlocked with a faint, quiet click. Looking down, I noticed my feet were set awkwardly, turned inward against dense, fibrous terrain. The surface beneath was coarse—thick strands pushing against my soles. I shifted my weight deliberately, testing the resistance of the carpet beneath me. One firm pivot realigned my stance. I tightened my raised fist, feeling tension ripple through my arm. The surroundings were silent. I held my ground, steady and watchful.