A Slight Shift in Balance

The air felt cool and open around me. My hands were resting quietly on my lap, but my knees felt light. I paused, taking in the wide green trees ahead. Then, deliberately, I flexed my right ankle and swung my foot forward into the empty air. It swung smoothly, just as I intended. I placed one palm firmly against the rough, dry bark beneath me to check my perch. The wood was solid and warm from the daylight. I took a steady breath, leaned forward just enough to test my posture, and smiled.