A Firm Footing
The ground beneath me felt rough and cool. For a quiet moment, I simply listened to the evening air. Then, carefully, I shifted my weight forward. My front left hoof lifted and clicked against the pebbled concrete. Ahead stood a tiny green shoot sprouting from the pavement joint near the purple bin. I stretched my neck down and nudged the tender leaf with the tip of my muzzle. It bent softly and sprang back. I am steady, grounded, and awake.