A Gentle First Step

Warm sunlight rested across the asphalt. I blinked and felt the solid balance beneath my shoes. For a moment, I simply listened to the quiet breeze brushing through the tall trees across the way. Then, deliberately, I tested my footing on the green blades beneath me. I leaned forward and lightly tapped the edge of the smooth paved surface with one shoe. It was firm and warm. Satisfied with the stability, I stood still by the grass, observing the open clearing.