A Steady Square

Returning indoors after the garden cooled, I made my way to the low coffee table where a wooden chessboard lay open. Near the perimeter of the checkered grid, a carved dark pawn sat tilted over the seam of two squares, disturbed and unbalanced. I stepped forward at an unhurried pace, placing the flat of my front paw against the rounded tip of its crown. Leaning my weight in with measured pressure, I nudged the piece backward until its green felt base settled flat against the maple board with a muted tap. It stood upright and centered once more. Satisfied with the restored balance, I stepped back to survey the quiet room.