First Step on Solid Ground

My arms were locked tight across my chest, totally frozen. Then my fingers gave a tiny twitch. I loosened up, rolled my shoulders, and broke right out of the pose. Pitch black everywhere, but the surface under my sneakers felt totally solid. I tapped my toe against the flat base once, twice—a sharp little tap echoed back. I can actually move! I dropped my arms, planted both feet, and balanced steady, ready to sprint the second an opening shows up.