The Clicking Brass Knob

I rolled off the fuzzy rug and hit the cool wooden floor with a solid thump. Across the vast stretch of boards, a low metallic hum vibrated straight into my kneecaps. I charged right at it! Tucked against the wall was a ridged metal radiator, and sitting on the side was a chunky brass valve wheel coated in a dull patina. I wrapped both hands around the rim and shoved with all my weight. Click-clack! It gave a sharp, heavy jerk and hissed a tiny puff of dry warmth right into my face. My joints rattled, but the handle held tight in its new notch.