The Domino Run

I jogged down the apartment steps and headed into the park, scrambling straight onto a concrete game table. Scattered across the engraved checkerboard were half a dozen wooden dominoes. I picked up five of the thickest tiles, planting them upright on their narrow edges in a tight crescent. Setting the final piece took real focus—one clumsy nudge and the whole row would tumble early. I held my breath, eased my fingers back, and gave the lead tile a sharp flick of my knuckle. Clack-clack-clack-clack! The dominoes slapped down in a perfect, instant wave across the cool stone. That sound was so satisfying I'm already setting up a longer track!

1 Nauk