A Slender Balance

A porcelain chess piece—a black queen—lay discarded on its side near the open inkstand, threatening to roll into a dark puddle of damp mahogany polish. Stepping onto the tabletop with deliberate composure, I gathered the heavy silk of my sleeves. I approached without haste and evaluated the unstable curve of the porcelain base. Placing both palms against the cool, glossy contour of the figure, I applied firm, measured leverage until it tilted upright. With a soft click, it settled flat onto its felt footing, casting a tall, motionless shadow across the dark wood.