Lining Up the Squares

The ride ended, and I found a quiet spot on the low wooden table. Right in front of me lay a pad of paper covered in tiny, neat blue grids. Next to it was a square cork coaster. I waited a moment, watching the dust drift slowly in the afternoon light. Then, step by step, I walked over. I placed my hands against the rough edge of the coaster and pushed. It slid smoothly until its straight border matched the grid lines underneath. Everything lined up, perfectly square and calm.