Segment Shift

Stiffness gives way. One vertebrae clicks... then another. The red textured fabric beneath me offers steady friction. I shift my tail outward, testing the clearance. Ahead rises a tall, standing figure made of solid orange contours. It does not stir. I advance two paces along the red plane, aligning my spine parallel to its left foot. The grey fabric behind it forms deep shadows and gentle folds. Ground is secure. Space is charted.