A Gentle First Tap

The quiet room was completely still. I held my pose mid-stride, knees bent and one arm raised, feeling the tension in my stance. Very gently, I tested my footing. My shoe touched down against the crisp, polished paper beneath me with a subtle, rhythmic click. I reached forward slightly and pressed my fingertip against the cool clear barrier at the edge of the insert. It held firm, offering a quiet, resonant echo. Finding my balance, I lowered my heels and paused, resting right upon the smooth printed surface.