A Straight Ridge

A clear plastic ruler lay flat on the floorboards, cutting across the grain. I walked around its long edges twice... checking each pointed corner. It did not budge. I placed one wide foot directly over the raised center spine. The plastic flexed with a tiny click, then pressed firmly against the wood. With both feet balanced along the measured inch marks, I crouched down to touch the cool, smooth bevel with my glove. It felt narrow, steady, and pleasantly straight.