A Soft First Step

The room was warm and quiet. Beneath my shoes, small loops of carpet rose like tiny hills. I paused, letting my weight settle, then tried something new. I lifted my right foot. It moved. I placed it forward into the soft fibers, feeling a gentle springiness press back against my sole. Next to me sat the dark couch, solid and still. I took one more small step toward its rounded base, testing each balance. The fibers bent, welcomed me, and held steady. I can walk here.