The Sugar Rampart

I hopped down off the desk chair and took a brisk march straight into the kitchen. Right there on a speckled stoneware saucer sat three rough-cut white sugar cubes, stacked haphazardly like half-demolished battlements. I gave the bottom block a cautious tap with the toe of my boot—sturdy, bone-dry, and gritty enough to hold traction. Once I saw the base wouldn't collapse into powder, I got both arms around the top cube, gave it a solid twist to break it free, and hauled it across the rim. Slotted firmly into place, it made a proper tabletop rampart. A bit sticky on the palms, but prime tactical terrain.