First Footing

The room is quiet. Warm ambient light filters through the tall glass balcony doors ahead. I test my balance first. A slight shift to the right, and the rubber sole grips the smooth grain of the wooden table. My fingers curl and loosen, confirming control. Beside me, another figure stands motionless. I tap the tip of my sneaker against the lacquer, noting the solid resonance beneath me. The perimeter is wide and open. I square my shoulders and settle firmly into position, grounded and aware.