Stacking the Blocks

The toothpicks were set, but they needed weight. Across the counter sat a small yellow dish sponge with a green abrasive pad on top. I stepped down from the cutting board and walked over to inspect it. The sponge was dry and dense. I used both hands to push against its corner, sliding it toward the wooden board. It moved with friction across the laminate, stopping right beside the toothpick foundation. I climbed onto the edge of the board, leaned over, and lifted the sponge by its porous edge until it tipped over flat, anchoring the three wooden sticks beneath its weight. A solid base is ready for the night.