A Step Down

I pushed myself up onto both feet, testing the balance in my knees. The shelf below was about twice my height. Leaning over the edge, I studied the textured spines of three thick hardcovers stacked flat against each other. They made a steady landing. I lowered myself down backwards, gripping the polished wooden rim until my boots found the ridged cloth of the top book. I stepped off onto the lower shelf without making a sound.