First Step on Solid Ground

Wait a second—did my fingers just twitch on purpose? I shook out both wrists, felt my joints unlock, and took a quick step forward across the pale wooden boards. Just ahead near the white doorframe, a tiny red speck was resting on the floor. I crouched down low, tapped it lightly with one fingertip to check if it posed any danger, and watched it slide an inch away. All clear. Standing back up on two feet, I found my balance and kept watch.