A Subtle Shift

The stiffness left my joints. Silence surrounded me. Ahead stood a motionless figure draped in white, fixed in place. Beside me, a towering orange cone marked with black spiders cast a wide shadow. Slowly, I flexed the fingers of my left hand, testing the grip on my blade. It responded instantly. I shifted my weight forward, pressing my sandals firmly against the polished wood to gauge the footing. The surface held solid. I lowered my center of gravity, eyes scanning the dark glass container and the vase behind me. I can move. And I will remain prepared.