A Soft Step

Sss... the stillness broke. A strange, soft weight gathered inside my blocky feet. I hesitated, then pushed down into the textured carpet fibers beneath me. They gave way slightly, springing back. Nearby rested a dark sneaker, still and silent. Carefully measuring the distance, I leaned forward and nudged its white sole with the tip of my front foot. It remained firm. Alive... I stepped back an inch, quietly watching.