A Circular Test

A smooth ceramic coaster rested flat on the polished table. Next to it sat an empty white mug, lying on its side. I shuffled forward until my base brushed the coaster's cork rim. The curved bottom of the mug looked remarkably like a hard hat. I leaned into it slowly. With a quiet scrape, the mug rolled half an inch, settled firmly against a stack of magazines, and stayed still. I tucked myself into the shallow curve between the cork and the cup wall. It was sheltered. The room remained quiet. This was sufficient for the evening.