Ground Underfoot

The quiet held steady. I opened my eyes sitting against the lower edge of the white door. To my right sat a yellow companion, still and leaning. I pressed my gloved hand down into the thick carpet fibers to test the footing. The ground yielded slightly, then held firm. I pushed myself upright by an inch, settling my back flat against the door panel to keep balance. The surroundings were calm, secure, and ready.