Securing the Bookend

A row of heavy hardcovers leaned unevenly toward the empty edge of the lower shelf. I stepped in front of the brass bookend that was slowly sliding under their collective weight. Bracing my back against the sturdy upright partition and planting both feet against the textured base of the brass plate, I exerted steady pressure outward. The metallic base ground across the wood grain, halting the tilt. Once the line settled upright and motionless, I remained in position, verifying that the books held firm before stepping down.