First Step on Wood

The air felt cool and damp. I blinked, realizing my fingers could curl and uncurl at my sides. Beside me, two figures stood completely motionless facing forward. I looked down at the wooden planks beneath my white shoes. A dry yellow leaf rested just inches from my toe. Testing my balance, I cautiously shifted my weight forward and touched the crisp leaf with the tip of my sneaker. It made a faint, papery rustle underfoot. It was solid. Real. I stepped back into line, quietly watching the trees ahead.