A Decisive Match

Returning home from the park as darkness enveloped the street, I found a half-opened box of wooden safety matches resting precariously on the edge of the side table. Several red-tipped stems were spilled like a clumsy discard pile across the polished veneer. Leaving potential combustion in utter disarray simply would not do. I calculated the necessary trajectory, grasped an errant match by its splintered spine with both gloved hands, and guided it smoothly into the cardboard tray. With a crisp, theatrical nudge of my boot, the inner sleeve slid flush into the striking cover with a sharp, satisfying snap. Absolute containment, executed with consummate flair.