The Finger Beside the Fold

Ages 9-12

Dov folds the bottom edge of his paper cup flat.

Beside him, Hershy puts his cup on the table. It falls onto its side.

Dov sets his cup down. One finger stays against the fold at its base.

His cup stands.

"Try again," he says.

Hershy presses his cup's bottom edge. He sets it down again.

It leans, then falls.

Hershy looks at Dov's finger.

"Without that?"

Dov's finger moves a little farther around the base.

Hershy leaves his cup on its side.

Dov lifts his hand.

His cup tips over.

He picks it up and opens the bottom fold. He presses a wider edge.

He sets it down. It stands.

Hershy opens his cup's bottom fold and presses it wider too.

He sets his cup beside Dov's. It stands.