A Slight Shift

The air around me felt distinct. Crisp evening breeze, distant soft lighting. My hands rested firmly around the small dark rectangular device between my palms. I tested the tension in my right thumb—it moved cleanly, pressing the corner edge of the screen. A tiny vibration answered. Then, leaning slightly to gauge balance, my left palm rested against the textured fabric of the bench cushion. Solid weave beneath. I took a measured look across the open courtyard, lowered my gaze back to the device, and remained seated, perfectly centered.