Square by Square

A stretch of pale morning light drew me into the quiet corridor leading toward the kitchen. Each slow step released a faint, hollow tap that drifted against the tall walls and faded into the open space. Ahead, a woven black-and-white checkered runner lay flat against the floorboards. I paused at its edge, tilting my head to study the clean, alternating borders. Stepping forward with deliberate care, I aligned both feet squarely within a single dark square, listening to the stillness settle back over the room.