A Path to the Edge

I followed the gentle grain of the table past the spool and string, walking all the way toward the outer border. Near the edge lay an open ceramic coaster, pale gray with a slightly raised rim. I paused to test its rim with the heel of my foot. It held firm without sliding. Stepping inside, the textured stone felt cool and rough against my plastic soles. Beyond the rim, a stack of two thick books formed a neat, staggered staircase leading downward toward the chair cushion. I stood at the edge of the coaster, looking down at the quiet path waiting to be explored.