The Empty Corner

Ages 12-15

Hindy sets three bookmarks beside her exhibition sample.

Each has a small drawing matching the sample's corner.

At the neighboring table, five visitors lean over a model. Another joins them.

Hindy straightens her sample.

Two younger girls come to her table.

"How does this part stay up?" one asks.

Hindy shows her the folded support behind it.

The other girl touches the little drawing on a bookmark.

"You did these, too?"

Hindy nods. She lifts one bookmark, then puts it down. Across the aisle, the neighboring group laughs.

The first girl looks at the support again.

"Can you show it from the side?"

Hindy turns the sample. The support opens a little wider. She sets it back at the right angle.

The girls move around the table to see.

On the other side, the crowd grows. Hindy reaches for the empty box beneath her chair.

Her hand rests on its lid.

"Is it one piece?" the second girl asks.

Hindy leaves the box where it is.

"Two. This part slides in."

She lifts the sample just enough to show the joint.

Both girls bend close. Hindy lowers it and lets them look from the side again.

When they finish, each takes one bookmark.

They walk toward the crowded table.

Hindy puts the sample back in the middle. Beside it, one bookmark remains, with its little corner drawing facing up.