First Footing

My joints unsealed with a quiet click. I shifted my weight forward, testing the tension in my knees. The surface beneath was coarse, cross-stitched with thick dark threads that formed deep ridges. I flexed my right hand, easing out of the rigid mold, then pressed a boot firmly into the weave to gauge its traction. It yielded slightly, but held firm. Good. Balance secured. I set my footing and stood completely upright.