Testing the Stone

The armrest was secure, but static. Below, on the side table, lay a thick slab of slate. Solid mineral. I dropped down from the perch, landing square on both boots. The wood held firm. Good. I approached the slab and wedged both gloved fists beneath its rough edge. A steady lift. My shoulders braced against the weight. It was dense, but it moved. I shifted it two inches closer to the outer rim to anchor the corner. This sector is secured.