Black and White Squares

Stepping out from the teacup's curve, I followed the table's grain until the edge of a polished wooden grid stopped me. Alternating dark and pale squares stretched out in neat, endless balance. I hesitated at the borderline. My left boot rested on maple, while my right touched dark walnut. Resting against a fallen wooden knight, I gently turned a smooth red checker piece left in the corner. When I spun it lightly, the concentric rings on its surface blurred into a steady, quiet circle... perfect, and completely still.