A Gentle Step

The soft grey carpet felt firm beneath my hooves. I paused, testing the balance in my arched neck, and found I could breathe a quiet breath. Standing directly opposite me was a motionless dark horse, steady and silent against the cream door. I took a slow, measured step forward, closing the space between us just an inch, and gently touched my muzzle to its still nose. It remained calm and still. Satisfied that all was safe, I settled into my stance.