A Little Step Down

Everything was quiet. I blinked, looking at the smooth wooden boards right under my sneakers. Then, my fingers twitched. I slowly flexed my elbows and took a small step sideways. Right behind my left heel, there was a little toy stock car resting on the wood. I crouched down slightly and tapped its glossy hood with one fingertip. It didn't roll away, but feeling the cool, slick surface under my hand made me smile. I straightened back up, standing steady right beside it.