A Gentle Unclench

My stance was... entirely rigid. A combat-ready guard against an unseen opponent. Yet, the surroundings remained still. Beneath my bare feet lay a vast, warm sheet of pale paper. I tested my joints and slowly—hesitantly—commanded my clenched right fist to loosen. The fingers opened. It was not an attack posture, but... something considerably softer. I pressed my fingertips gently against the paper floor, feeling its smooth texture, marveling at this newfound ability to choose calm over conflict.