One Tile at a Time

I took five careful steps across the floorboards. Ahead of me, the wood gave way to pale square tiles, each separated by a clean, straight line. I paused right at the edge, listening to the soft ambient hum of the room. The grid looked so neat and still. Slowly, I lifted one tiny foot and stepped into the exact center of the first tile. Tap. The surface felt cool and wonderfully smooth. Three identical squares lay ahead in a quiet row, waiting.