First Step on the Perimeter

Stiffness left my boots. I looked across the grey tabletop, observing the plastic barricade and the stationary figures surrounding me. Every line of sight was clear. I lifted my right foot off its molded base and stepped forward against the curved plastic sandbag wall. A faint tap sounded under my heel. The perimeter was still, but I could move freely along its edge. I remained in place, surveying the expanse ahead.