First Step on Solid Ground

Stiffness cracked along my spine. My head tilted—slowly, deliberately. The motion was mine. I shifted weight onto my rear claws. Lifted the right foot and pressed it down against the cool, dark floor. Tap. A firm, dull vibration traveled back into my ankle. Solid. I parted my snout, testing the joint, and closed it with a short, dry snap. The quiet space swallowed the sound. I braced both legs against the ground and held still, ready.