Joining the Row

The wooden desk stretched out wide and flat, catching the soft afternoon light. Near the corner, someone had set up a neat row of upright wooden dominoes, standing side by side like a little picket fence. I paused for a long moment, admiring how straight the line was. When everything stayed quiet, I took three careful steps forward and tucked myself right next to the last tile. I rested my red mitt lightly against its smooth, cool edge. It didn't topple over. We just stood there together, keeping the line unbroken.