A Heavy First Step

Everything was so quiet, then warm light prickled my neck. My knees felt stiff, locked tight. I blinked, looked down at the pale stone slabs, and gave a nervous little exhale. Could I actually move? I tested my right boot, lifting it slowly before bringing it down with a solid clack against the stone. It worked! Right next to me, the woven wicker frame of an armchair caught my eye. I reached out a cautious hand and pressed my fingertips against the rough braid. It was real, firm, and steady. I really can walk here.