Stone on Glass

The hallway opened into a wider chamber. In the center stood a low glass table, flanked by an unyielding obstacle: a dense mineral geode resting on a flat wooden coaster. Rough stone outside. Pale purple crystals clustered within. I approached without hesitation. Planted my feet wide on the polished floorboards. Wrapped both heavy gauntlets around the jagged exterior and lifted. Solid heft. Cold weight strained against my forearms. I pivoted and settled the stone three paces back onto a thick felt runner. It will not roll. The glass surface before me is cleared, and the vantage across the floor remains secure.