Stepping onto the Coaster

The wooden planks ahead looked steady enough, so I took my first real steps forward. The surface was cool and smooth under my sneakers, a clean shift from the woven fabric behind me. Halfway across, I met a thick round coaster made of dark slate, resting near the rim of a ceramic mug. Its rough edge sat just high enough to serve as a low ledge. I paused, resting one foot on its chipped rim to test the weight. It gave a muted, satisfying click against the tabletop without sliding. Finding my balance there felt natural, so I leaned back against the mug for a moment, taking in the quiet hum of the room.