Breaking the Tension

Stiff neck. Heavy limbs. A sudden warmth rushed into my chest, and I took a deep breath. My raised fist was clamped by clear, artificial webbing strung across the glass box. I grunted, flexed my forearm, and tugged hard. The taut strands vibrated with a sharp plastic snap, shaking loose slightly without snapping off. Across from me, the tiny red spider figure stayed frozen in mid-crouch. I lowered my chin, loosening my shoulders, realizing I wasn't just posed—I could move.