A Stiff Stare

Ugh. Legs locked up, back pinned flat against a cold wooden post. Then my fingers twitch. I peel my shoulders away from the post and take half a step forward. Right across from me, another figure stands frozen stiff in the shadows. I lean in, clench a fist, and give its tough boot a sharp, testing kick. Solid thud. Doesn't flinch. Fine. I settle back into my crouch, keeping one eye on the brute just in case.