A Silent Assessment

Stiffness gives way. Tension stirs along my limbs. I scan the perimeter first: an assembly of silent figures positioned across the dark wooden planks, completely still. Behind my heels rests a heavy black shoe. I shift my weight forward, breaking my rigid stance. My left hand lowers slightly, fingers testing the air. One slow, calculated step forward brings my foot down against the plank without a sound. The gathered perimeter remains unmoving. Order is intact, but I remain on watch.