Securing the Border

The open space across the tabletop felt too exposed. I studied the perimeter. To the left lay three heavy hardcover books stacked unevenly. I planted my boots firmly on the wood grain and leaned my weight into the lowest volume, shifting it forward until its edge aligned with the dark desk rim. Next, I rolled a brass compass and an unused metal paperclip into the gap, forming a solid barricade against the open drop. Now, the eastern flank is fortified.