A Firm Foothold
The stiffness in my frame gave way. My boots were settled on a coarse, coiled surface of woven fiber. I tested my balance, flexing my fingers into a solid grip. Everything held steady. Ahead of me, another figure remained motionless in the dim light. I took a single, measured pace forward, letting the ridged cords press firmly beneath my soles. I have control of my own movement now.