A Smooth Step Back

My boots were planted firmly against the rough carpet fibers. Ahead rose the curved, flowered wall of a sturdy chest. I felt tension loosen in my joints, followed by a quiet hum of motion. Rather than pressing forward, I let my weight drift, sliding one black boot smoothly backward across the carpet in a steady, gliding retreat. My knuckles eased off the painted surface. Moving without a sound, perfectly poised, I found my balance under the open room.