First Step in the Shadows

A faint pulse stirred within my stitches. I shifted my weight, finding balance on two soft legs against the firm carpet. My visor adjusted to the dim clearance beneath the white partition. A few paces away lay a plush brown spider, still and motionless. Silently, I took a deliberate step forward, testing my footing in the open space, before retreating an inch into the secure perimeter of the wall. Everything was peaceful, and under complete control.