First Stomp

Stiffness cracks! Jaws snap wide! A roar surges up my throat—real sound! My fists flex with raw force. The ground feels rough, dense fibers beneath my feet. In front of me lies a fallen blocky figure. I slam one heavy green boot forward. Thud! The carpet absorbs the shock. I reach down, gripping the blocky figure's square shoulder. Solid plastic. It holds firm against my grip. I am awake. I stand tall.