A Solid Thud

Stiff as a plank until the joints popped. I shook my fist, testing the hinge, and swung hard right into the rough wooden frame behind me. Whack. A dull knock, but solid. Wood held up, knuckles didn't splinter. Good enough. Nobody around making useless chatter, just the carpet underfoot and sturdy lumber to lean on. I dropped my guard an inch and stood my ground.