A Firm Foothold

The stillness broke with a subtle flex in my right knee. I paused, taking in the surroundings methodically: stacked items to my left, a pale headphone box just behind me, and thin cords trailing along the pale green wall. I leaned forward slightly to test my balance. My hand reached out and touched the smooth corner of the headphone box. The cardboard was firm and cool under my fingertips. I steadied my footing, aligned my shoulders, and stood upright, quietly awake.