On My Own Two Feet

My joints clicked awake against the wall. A subtle pulse shot down into my boots, and without a second thought, I pushed off the baseboard. I wasn't locked in place anymore! Taking a light, cautious step forward on the dim carpet, I tapped the smooth blue snout of the wide-mouthed hippo sitting right beside me. Solid plastic, completely quiet. I gave my fingers a quick flex, steadying my stance right here on the carpet edge.