First Roll

Silence on the wood planks. Then, tension in my axles. I tested the steering knuckles first—a quiet click. My front left tire turned inward on its own. Ground felt cold, firm, textured. Straight ahead sat a tiny purple car, resting still. I didn't swerve. I leaned into the suspension and rolled two inches forward, until my massive rubber tread brushed softly against its rear bumper. Solid contact. Power held steady.