Four in a Row

A small open tin of smooth wooden dominoes was resting by the rug edge. I brought four black tiles onto the bare floorboards, sitting flat so my knees wouldn't slide. Standing the first tile on its narrow end took two tries before it stayed steady. When I placed the third, my wrist bumped the second. Clack. It tipped over and took the first down with it. I didn't mind. I stood them back up, giving each one an extra inch of space. Four upright tiles in a neat, straight line. With the tip of one finger, I nudged the front tile forward. Clack-clack-clack-thud. A perfect little wave, flat on the timber.