A Slight Shift
The quiet was absolute. Slowly, the stillness inside loosened, and sensation returned to my feet. I did not rush to move. Instead, I carefully shifted my balance from one boot to the other, feeling the cool, polished plane underneath. It was firm and unyielding. I lowered my chin just enough to observe the edge where my sole met the white surface, testing the friction. Satisfied with the steady footing, I settled back into stillness, watching the open space ahead.