A Gentle Slope

A warm patch of afternoon sun stretched across the floorboards, so I sat down by the low table. I folded a thick wool throw into a firm wedge, tucking my elbows close so my bulk wouldn't nudge the table leg. Against the blanket, I leaned a stiff wooden coaster to make a shallow ramp. Taking a smooth wooden bead from under the sofa edge, I set it at the top edge. With the light tap of one claw, I let it go. It tumbled down the wood with a quiet, hollow rattle and glided across the carpet, resting right against my foot. I picked it up to try again.