Within five minutes, the final wooden board clicked into place.
Grayson stood up smoothly, brushing off his knees. He crossed his arms over his broad chest and stared down at the finished shelf with a look of supreme victory, as if he had just conquered a small kingdom.
"There," Grayson said calmly, his deep voice rich with pride. "A flawless structure. Sturdy, balanced, and complete. Modern flat-pack construction poses no challenge to a mind of my experience."
Mailah leaned forward, blinking at the shelf. Then she tilted her head to the left. Then to the right.
"Um... Grayson?" Mailah asked softly.
"Yes, my love?" he replied, not taking his eyes off his masterpiece. "Are you admiring the structural symmetry?"
"The bottom shelf is upside down," Mailah said gently, pointing a finger at the wood. "The smooth polished side is facing the floor, and the rough, unfinished brown board is facing up. Also, the warning sticker that says THIS SIDE DOWN is right on top."
