The Third Spool

The two stacked thread spools remained upright by the skirting board, exactly where I balanced them earlier. Beside the bottom shelf lay a third wooden spool, smaller and narrower. I stepped forward, testing each joint on the polished floorboards. Solid grip. I nudged the small cylinder toward the timber column with my snout. Anchoring my hind paws, I rose carefully onto two legs and balanced my forepaws against the bookshelf edge. With a gentle tap of my right paw, I guided the small spool upward until its flat circular base met the top rim. It settled without a sound. Three tiers high, locked in clean vertical symmetry. I lowered myself back down and remained still, admiring the sturdy column in the dim evening light.