A Measure of Weight

A deliberate warmth gathered in my joints, dissolving the stillness that held me. Rather than act in haste, I took stock of my surroundings. To my right, the others stood motionless in rigid silence. I focused my intent upon my right hand, testing the cold metal in my grasp. The fingers answered, tightening with measured pressure around the silver wolf head of my cane. Slowly, I lifted the ferrule a fraction of an inch and set it down against the timber with an audible, resonant click. The balance was precise, and the quiet room remained undisturbed. I settled back into my stance, composed and aware.