A Measure of Corrugation

A stack of folded cardboard boxes rested on the low lobby bench near the mail alcove. I approached in four even strides and halted. The top carton was sealed with clear tension tape that had stretched taut across the cardboard seam. I raised my hand and dragged a blunt knuckle slowly across the ribbed ridges of the cardboard flank. It yielded a dry, rhythmic shudder. Then, testing the center seam, I brought my thumb down in a deliberate press. The tape resisted, vibrating with a dull, hollow pop before stabilizing under my weight. The structure remained completely intact.