Clear Boundary

Eyes forward. Stance set. The first thing I registered was the grip under my right arm—firm, balanced, ready. Then my left fingers twitched. I shifted my weight forward on the clear stand, testing my balance. Direct line ahead: a smooth, transparent barrier. I raised my left hand and tapped it with two knuckles. *Click.* Solid. Clear. A defined perimeter. I lowered my hand, squared my shoulders, and locked my gaze straight out through the clear window.