Finding My Balance

The warmth around my waist suddenly loosened. I felt the air shift around my joints. First, a slight twist of my ankle—it moved smoothly. I planted one boot down onto the soft, textured gray cushion beneath me, testing its give. A small step forward, then another. The fabric yielded slightly under my weight, but I found my footing, flexing my fingers to steady myself right on the edge of the crease.