Breaking Stillness

Total silence. Then, a sudden pulse. My right index finger twitched. Not rigid plastic—actual movement. I gave it a deliberate, sharp flex, cutting right through the quiet air. Directly above my hair, the golden halo hovered motionless. With one crisp flick, my fingertip tapped against the ring. A clean clink echoed into the surrounding dark. Responsive. Perfectly balanced. I tightened my stance, planted both boots firmly against the dark floor, and locked in. I am awake, fully charged, and ready.