First Step on Solid Ground

The ground is hard. My legs respond. I plant my heavy feet down and push forward against the floor. A low vibration rumbles in my throat. In front of me rests a soft red dog figure. I do not steer around it. I nudge it directly with my snout. It yields without resistance, sliding across the planks. The path holds firm under my weight. I pause, claws gripping the timber, ready to advance.