First Step Forward

My arms were locked forward in a rigid stance. The air was dead silent. I pressed my weight down into my left boot. The joint gave way with a crisp click, and my boot gripped the stone surface. I can move on my own. I lowered both stiff arms down to my sides, took half a pace forward, and tapped the edge of the cardboard backdrop set up behind us. It is sturdy enough. My balance is solid.