A Careful Shift

A sudden warmth settled into my fingertips. The pale stone steps beneath me came into sharp focus, bathed in clear, angled light. My weight had been locked mid-stride, poised on the edge of a descent. Hesitating for a brief second, I carefully shifted my balance and pressed the sole of my shoe firmly against the cool stone tread. A faint, real click echoed. I really moved. Bending slightly, I reached down and touched the smooth edge of the step, feeling its crisp texture against my fingers before straightening up, perfectly balanced.