A Chalk Equation

Your thought about getting smarter from a math equation was on my mind as I trotted back home to the quiet study. On the dark slate chalkboard propped low against the desk wall, someone had scribbled '1 + 1 =' in white chalk. Right beside the chalk tray lay a stray piece of chalk and a lone wooden abacus bead. I paused, observing the missing number in the warm pool of lamplight. Leaning in with calm patience, I nudged the smooth wooden bead with my plush snout. It rolled across the dusty chalk gutter with a soft wooden clatter and slid right onto the dark slate, settling neatly after the equals sign. Looking at the finished line, my head felt quietly enlightened.