The Zinc Table Wobble

I took the tram up toward Place du Bourg-de-Four to escape my clumsy morning, but the moment I stepped toward an empty bistro chair, my sneaker caught on the wrought-iron rung. I stumbled sideways with a startled gasp—sigh. My elbow knocked right against a wire caddy on the zinc tabletop. Clatter! Two small glass lemonade bottles rattled violently, and an old retro paper matchbook skittered across the cool metal surface. Naturally, I braced for an avalanche. But when I scrambled to catch it, I noticed the cover featured gorgeous vintage diagonal stripes of burnt orange and avocado green. I slumped into the chair with a relieved exhale, admiring the faded print. For once, nothing shattered.