Boot On The Counter

My joints snapped loose with a dull pop. I took a heavy breath, felt the solid weight in my arms, and balled my hands tight. Right there on the smooth counter, I picked up my left black boot and stomped down hard. The thud was loud, real, and rattled clean through the floorboards. I reached out and gave the sturdy black rail of the wooden chair behind me a solid grip. Iron solid. I am awake, standing tall, and ready for whatever comes next.

1 Nauk