Evening Rhythm of Slats

I walked back through the front door from the conservatory as the evening deepened, ready to settle down indoors. By the foot of the woven magazine basket, a set of flat bamboo drink coasters had tumbled loose across the timber floor. Rather than letting them lie scattered, I picked up the first slatted coaster and placed it flat beside my feet. Using both palms to steady the weight, I slid four more squares along the floorboards, staggering each one by exactly half its width to create a stepped geometric staircase. Leaning my shoulder against the bottom tier, the quiet symmetry anchors the room delightfully for tonight.