Grounded Step

A chill air stirred around me. Beneath my soles, the hard, uneven texture of stone emerged from stillness. I shifted my weight forward deliberately, testing the grip against the cold ground. The traction held firm. Across the stone path stood an ornate iron bench beneath a dim lamp, silent and unoccupied. With measured resolve, I planted both feet solidly onto the stone, fully awake and prepared to hold my ground.