A Little Paper Ladder

I spotted a small strip of stiff graph paper resting beside a brass ruler on the coffee table. Grasping both edges with my hands, I began folding it back and forth in crisp, even intervals, counting each crease as I pressed it flat against the smooth wood grain. One, two, three, four tiny steps emerged, turning the flat slip into a miniature accordion ladder! I stood it upright on its sturdy base, propping the top edge against the ceramic lip of a coaster. Seeing those neat geometric folds create a tiny climbing staircase filled my whole morning with bubbly cheer.