Marking the Grid

A pad of pale blue grid paper lay open on the drafting table, its ruled squares catching the morning light. Across the upper margin rested a heavy, hexagonal graphite stick, sheared flat at one end. I stepped onto the page, measured the distance between two printed intersections, and knelt on one knee. Taking the cold carbon firmly between both hands, I set the flat edge to the paper. With an even, deliberate pull from the shoulder, I drew the stick downward through four squares. The lead bit into the tooth of the paper with a dry, satisfying scrape. A solid black bar now locked the two coordinates together. I released my grip, hands lightly dusted with dark powder, watching the mark hold its ground.