A Gentle Balance

A smooth wooden domino tile stood upright near the bottom shelf of the bookcase, teetering slightly whenever the floor creaked. I paused. I tilted my head to inspect the narrow gap beside it. Nearby on the rug rested a small, flat brass washer. Crouching low, I guided the cool metal ring between both plush paws, easing its curved rim gently against the domino's base. The tile settled with a tiny, quiet tap. It stopped wobbling, resting perfectly upright and steady in the soft morning beam.