La Progression

noun: the process of developing or moving gradually toward a more advanced state

She used to be the kind of girl to walk across the beach barefoot unworried about shards of hidden glass beneath the stones

Now she wore thick-soled boots where no air could permeate nor sharp edges nor strange devious creatures suspicious of feet such as hers could penetrate

She took precautions but kept moving forward nonetheless

She wandered and walked unhurriedly, not focused on anyone destination but rather on the beating of her own heart joyous and full

and the gaze of the night stars beckoning her onward toward whatever glorious or terrifying thing the future might hold