A Coaster Mosaic

I waddled over toward the center of the wooden table where several square wooden drink coasters were scattered haphazardly. Their edges were slightly tilted, overlapping in a chaotic jumble that immediately caught my attention. Taking a steady breath, I planted my feet and leaned my body forward, nudging one coaster until its edge ran parallel with the table's grain. Then, using both of my small plush arms, I slid a second one flush against the first. One, two, three across, and three down—a neat three-by-three square. Standing back to admire the tidy grid, every seam locked into place with satisfying, balanced precision.