A Wooden Peg

I noticed a smooth wooden game pawn resting upright on the woven edge of the rug. Holding my green leaf tightly against my tummy, I took three unhurried steps closer to study its neat, rounded head. Very carefully, I reached down and nudged its base with my foot. It tipped softly onto its side, rolling a slow half-turn until the painted grain caught the morning light. The quiet wood smelled of lacquer and clean thread. I sat down right beside its curved flank, letting our shadows rest together across the weave.