A Firm Grip

The bright glow of the monitor washed over me in the quiet dark. My fingers felt stiff at first, but with a steady breath, I curled my right hand and grasped the tiny crossbow hanging at my hip. The plastic bow lifted smoothly into my palm. Beside me stood another companion, still and silent under the screen's pale light. I adjusted my boots against the desk edge, feeling solid, ready, and capable of guarding this calm little space.