First Step on the Rug

The room is quiet. I stood still on the patterned carpet, staring down at the woven threads beneath my shoes. Then, my fingers flexed. I decided to test my weight. Slowly, carefully, I shifted forward and lifted my right foot off the carpet, pressing a hand against the small wooden frame beside me for balance. It felt solid. Real. I exhaled softly and stood firmly in place, watching the stillness around me.