A Matter of Equilibrium
A fallen ivory chess piece lay abandoned upon its flank near the edge of the hearth rug. Leaving a sculpted knight in such indignity was intolerable. Approaching with measured strides, I gripped the cool, weighted base and tilted the piece upward until its carved mane met the vertical axis. To ensure its absolute stability upon the thick wool fibers, I nudged a flat, tarnished silver coin beneath the rug's uneven seam, creating an impeccably level foundation. The knight now stands erect and watchful, surveying the hearth with proper dignity.
