A Quiet Step

The morning light barely reached the corner of the room. I felt a gentle looseness settle into my feet. Standing still on the dark tabletop, I shifted my weight forward and lifted my right shoe. It came off the surface with a tiny, clean click. I set it down again, feeling the solid wood beneath me. Behind me, the room remained calm and shadowy, framed pictures resting quietly on the wall. I stayed right where I was, steady and present in the quiet space.