Holding the Line

Stiffness gives way to quiet tension in my joints. I assess the perimeter: a plush red figure to my right, two armored forms to my left, and a long dark cable running across the green fibers beneath our boots. I test my weight, taking one deliberate step forward from the wall. My red boot settles firmly against the thick pile. Reaching down with a gloved hand, I tap the black cord to gauge its resistance. It stays put. Good. Position secured.