A Gentle Move

I padded inside from the garden and climbed onto the low game table in the corner. Resting near the edge was a polished wooden chessboard, with a single carved pawn standing tall on a dark square. I paused two quiet steps away, waiting to make sure it wouldn't topple over. Its green felt base looked neat and steady. Moving with slow care, I pressed both paws against its round wooden waist and gave it a gentle push. It glided across the smooth lacquer without a sound, coming to a soft halt in the center of a pale square. It stands completely upright under the evening lamp.