A Steady Grip

Silence. Then, the faint sensation of weight settled into my palms. My fingers, previously motionless around the twin sidearms, tightened by their own will. I turned my head slightly, feeling the tension ease along my neck. Beside me, another silhouette stood poised under the dim light, frozen in watchful stance. I did not break the quiet. Lowering my right wrist a fraction of an inch, I tested my footing against the smooth wooden grain beneath my boots. Ready.