A Firm Step Forward

My neck felt heavy, curved downward toward the dark floorboards. Then a thrum of strength surged into my stance. I straightened, shifting my weight onto both solid feet. A low breath left my throat. Ahead lay a dark rectangular mat resting before a white door. I stepped forward, claws gripping the smooth wood, and planted one foot squarely onto the rough fibers of the mat. It resisted firmly beneath my claws. Good. Ground held. I can stand and walk on my own.