A Firm Grip
My fingers twitched, soft cloth giving way to a deliberate clench. I stood on the blank floor, perfectly upright, yet suddenly aware of my own balance. Reaching down slowly, I touched the smooth golden buckle at my waist. It was solid and real under my felt thumb. I took a steady breath, shifted my weight onto both boots, and tipped the brim of my hat upward to see what lay ahead.