Testing the Edge

The balance came first. Solid weight resting right in my palm. I flexed my gloved fingers, testing the grip along the hilt of the gold katana, and felt my knuckles respond without hesitation. I shifted my stance, planting both boots firmly against the cool, smooth surface of the paper. With a deliberate, quiet motion, I lowered the blade tip until it tapped against the page right beside the handwritten notes. A clean, subtle click. Everything around me is quiet paper and ink, but I am standing on my own feet.