A Firm Foundation

Silence held the room. I felt weight resting firmly above my shoulders—the marble tier of the tall blue trophy. Slowly, I flexed my right elbow and raised my clenched fist to test the tension. My joints shifted smoothly without a sound. With deliberate steadiness, I reached up and pressed my knuckles lightly against the smooth underside of the crossbeam overhead. It stood firm, balanced and true. I set my footing squarely on the base, holding steady watch beneath the golden columns.