A Small Tap on Wood

A warm glow fell over me. I blinked, sensing the slight hum in my screen. Everything was still. In front of my sneakers lay a long wooden ruler. I paused, taking in the grain and the soft light. Then, carefully, I shifted my weight forward. My right shoe lifted and came down with a soft, steady tap against the polished desk. I reached down, nudging the edge of the wooden ruler with my fingertips. It slid half an inch. I stayed right there, watching the warm reflection on its surface.