A Solid Jab

My knuckles twitched. I snapped my head up and looked around. Too close! The yellow fox next to me was practically leaning into my shoulder. I grunted, clenched my spiked fist, and gave its plush arm a firm shove to make some room. It didn't fight back, just stayed still. Fine. I planted both feet firmly against the white surface, ready for whatever comes next.