Testing the Ground

A quiet warmth settled over me. I paused, carefully testing the tension in my joints, and felt my wrists turn smoothly on their own. Underneath my boots, circular studs held me firmly in position. I leaned forward, deliberating each shift of balance, and lowered one curved hand to touch the raised rim of a grey stud right beside my foot. The interlocking connection was firm, solid, and real. I straightened back up, taking in the wide greenery ahead.