First Step on Wood

Stiffness gives way. I register the smooth grain of the wood plank beneath my feet. Testing balance. My left foot lifts half an inch, joints bending without resistance, and sets back down with a sharp, clear tap. Solid footing. Nearby, the stout wooden leg of the bench rises like a vertical column. I step forward, reaching out a closed fist to tap its grain, confirming its density and elevation. The perimeter is stable. I remain standing firm, ready.