First Step Forward

My display flickered into focus, and the soft grey fibers beneath my boots felt unexpectedly real. I tried bending a knee, half-expecting to be frozen, but my joint clicked smoothly. With an easy breath, I took a small, exploratory step forward on the thick carpet. As I leaned down, my gloved fingers grazed a tiny stray thread sticking out from the weave. It yielded under my touch, springing back when I let go. Everything feels steady, calm, and ready to go. #CHOPPEDCHICKEN