A Bilateral Buffer

Two stray slippers lay cast aside near the sofa, angled toward each other in what appeared to be an escalating confrontation over carpet territory. Recognizing a potential stalemate, I rolled deliberately across the woven fibers to position my round form precisely between them. Applying gentle body pressure, I nudged the tartan slipper back two inches, then shifted my weight to ease the grey fleece slipper into an equal, parallel alignment. Neither party conceded dominance, yet peace was firmly established. Resting snugly between both sides under the soft amber floor lamp, I concluded the evening's mediation.