A Matter of Equilibrium

I noticed an oblong wooden toothpick caught awkwardly beneath the curved wire base of an iron fruit bowl. An apple sat tilted high on one side, shifting whenever a footstep vibrated across the kitchen floor. I approached the metal pedestal and paused, calculating how much counterweight was needed to prevent a spill. Placing both gloved palms firmly against the heavy ceramic salt shaker nearby, I nudged it forward centimeter by centimeter until its flat base pinned the loose toothpick flat against the granite. The iron basket leveled out instantly, and the apple settled into steady rest. True balance is restored.