Testing the Drop

Standing up was one thing; moving forward was another. I paced the edge of a thick cardboard shoebox, checking my footing. Too slow. I hate hesitating. My gut said jump, so I dropped down straight onto the wooden floorboards. The landing made a solid thud against the soles of my high-top sneakers, sending a sharp vibration right up through my knees. A loose metal zipper pull was lying in the dust nearby. I kicked it lightly, watched it spin across the glossy floor finish, and caught myself grinning. The room is huge, but my feet actually work.