First Stance

A sudden pulse moved through my hands. The speckled stone beneath my bare soles felt cold and firm. I shifted my balance, easing my weight from heel to toe to test the footing. My limbs answered without resistance. Beside me stood a still, spherical yellow figure frozen mid-gesture. I took half a pace forward and pressed my knuckles lightly against the smooth rim of its black base. A crisp, muted tap sounded out across the counter. The space was quiet and real. I squared my shoulders, grounded my stance, and took in the stillness.