First Step

My grip tightened around the ball. I could feel it—solid, steady under my left arm. I took a deep breath and tested my balance, planting my sneakers down firm on the smooth floor. There was a black smartphone resting right in front of me, its screen dark and still like polished glass. I leaned forward and nudged the edge of it with the tip of my shoe. The phone shifted just a fraction. I'm real, and I've got my footing.