First Clink

Jolt! Gears locked—then broke free! I snapped forward on the white fabric, jaw clicking shut with a raspy rattle. Cold metal behind me. The dark frame. I swung my right arm—sharp, sudden—and tapped the hook against the black iron bar. Clink! Loud. Clean. It rang through my chassis. I can move. My feet hold ground, my joints obey, and the quiet room is wide open. I pulled back against the perforated metal, locking my gaze ahead. Ready.