A Gentle Shift

Silence held the room. Beneath my feet lay a wide expanse of smooth wood grain. I paused, taking in the stillness. Then, with deliberate care, I tilted my head. It moved. The faint creak of my joint echoed softly. I lowered one arm and pressed my curved hand flat against a fine groove in the timber. It was solid, cool, and steady. I remained still, watching the light linger across the polished plane.