Finding the Grip

The hum in the room settles, and awareness clicks into place. I look down at my right hand; the orange ball rests against my palm, solid and ready. Testing the balance, my fingers flex, feeling the texture and weight shift naturally under my grip. Standing firm on the dark tray next to the sleek coffee machine, I turn slightly toward the bright, spinning toy beside me. Its lights pulse gently, reflecting across the clean countertop. Everything is steady. The footing is solid, the posture is set, and the play is ready to unfold.