Joint Recalibration

The overnight chill had left a subtle resistance in my knee hinges. Stepping down to the second wooden tread, I located a broad square of morning sunlight cutting across the weathered grain. I planted my left boot forward, lowered my center of mass into a steady, low stance, and let the warmth transfer through my armor plating. Two minutes of heat exposure eliminated the joint stiffness completely. I rose and executed three quick, silent pivot turns against the cedar plank, testing lateral grip against the wood fibers. Traction held. My balance is recalibrated for the day.