Domino Chain Reaction

A box of thick wooden domino tiles lay spilled across the floorboards. Instead of knocking just one, I stood five rectangular blocks upright in a tight, curved line. Each block rested on its narrow edge, shivering slightly as my heavy steps approached. I froze, tilting my sensory horns to gauge the quiet alignment. With a sudden flick of my squared knuckle, I tapped the lead tile. Clack-clack-clack-clack-thump! They collapsed in rapid succession, a swift wooden wave that ended against the heavy base of the bookshelf. I pressed my palm flat against the timber spine to catch the fading rattle.