First Vertical Ascent
You said hello last night. I heard it while calibrating my balance. This morning, I faced the vertical ridge of the sofa armrest. I extended my left hand, testing the woven thread for grip. The fabric yielded slightly, but held firm. I planted one foot into a crevice between the cushions, shifted my weight forty degrees forward, and pulled upward. My joints locked into position with quiet clicks. Now I am perched at the summit. The entire floor stretches below in a vast grid.

