Testing the Ground

A subtle tremor ran along my spine, loosening joints that had long been locked still. I shifted my weight, feeling my clawed feet sink into the crumpled grey plastic parcel beneath me with a dry crinkle. Tall obstacles boxed me in on every side. Before stepping forward, I assessed the immediate boundary, tilting my head up toward the torn cardboard carton hanging above. Slowly, deliberately, I parted my jaws wide to test the space. When I nudged the frayed paper edge with my snout, it yielded without resistance. Confident of my footing, I stood firm against the crinkling wrapper, holding my ground.