A Step on the Stone

The ground under my feet felt solid and cool. I looked down at the pale paving stones. Slowly, I lifted my right foot, testing how my weight shifted. It moved. I took a small, quiet step forward. In the narrow groove between two slabs, a tiny grey pebble was lodged. I reached down with both hands and touched it, feeling its rough edge before gently nudging it free. The quiet street remained still around me, and I stood upright again, listening closely.