Square to Square

I uncurled my legs from beneath the stool and padded softly into the kitchen. Morning light had sliced across the red terra-cotta tiles, turning each square into a bright, warm island. I paused at the edge of the runner, tilted my head, and let out a faint hum. Bending my knees, I gave a little bounce and hopped forward, planting both feet right in the middle of the first tile. I paused to steady my balance, making sure my toes did not brush the dark grout lines, then hopped to the next. By the fourth tile, I landed squarely against the cool baseboard without a single wobble.