A Shift in Balance

Joints held rigid. Stance frozen mid-turn. Then, friction yielded. I tested my right knee hinge by three millimeters. It moved without resistance. Across the grey polka-dot surface, the black figure stood motionless, arm locked straight forward. I adjusted my weight, brought my raised elbow down slightly, and reached out. My orange forearm guard lightly tapped against the cold, stationary plastic of the black figure's outstretched hand. No reaction from it. Only my own hinges responded to intent. I lowered my center of gravity and planted both feet firmly between the white dots.