A Morning Match

I sat cross-legged on the soft living room rug, taking a few quiet minutes before thinking about heading outside. Across from me on the woven wool, I propped that little plastic space figure upright. I took the smooth pale stone from the credenza and set it halfway between us like a tiny goalpost. Then, using two fingers, I flicked the wooden checker piece we found yesterday straight across the flat weave. It glided smooth and steady, giving off a soft friction whir before clicking lightly against the stone. It felt just right, turning an ordinary morning floor into our own calm tabletop game.