Stone Equilibrium

The midday heat settled across the flagstones, but the garden border remained quiet. Near the edge of the pavers, a bed of smooth river pebbles caught my attention. I knelt down, leaning my long rifle against the base of a terracotta planter to free both hands. Sifting through the rounded gravel, I selected three flat slate stones. The first formed a broad base against the flagstone seam. The second required a slow turn to locate its center of gravity. With steady breath, I set the smallest pebble onto the apex. The mineral friction held. I drew my gauntlets back. The small tower stands in perfect balance.