Sideline Check

A light drizzle tapped against the window glass, shifting the day's schedule indoors. I surveyed the open expanse of the wooden coffee table, noting a scattered stack of coasters and a forgotten ceramic mug. Perfect perimeter markers. Moving with steady footwork, I transported three square cork coasters across the grain, aligning them precisely two paces apart to establish a dry training lane. Once the layout was squared away, I stood at the center marker, football firm against my ribs, confirming the perimeter was completely secure.