A Degree of Tilt

Stance engaged. My right knee joint unlatched with a faint friction hum, shifting balance three degrees left. The flat surface beneath my feet remained rigid. Beside me stands a silver casing with a dark perforated grille. I extended my right arm, bringing the fingertip against the cold metal mesh. Vibration: zero. Texture: repetitive, hexagonal grid. I withdrew my hand and reset my posture, perfectly upright beside the curve.