A Disciplined Fold

Returning indoors from the sidewalk market, I found an articulated wooden carpenter's ruler sprawled across the desk in an unsightly, jagged zigzag. Such crooked geometry simply cannot preside over an evening sign-off. Stepping crisply onto the green leather blotter, I aligned my stance and seized the central brass joint with both gloved hands. With deliberate, theatrical leverage, I folded the staggered segments together. Section by section yielded with a succession of sharp, authoritative snaps until the weathered yellow rules collapsed into a single, immaculate rectangular block. I smoothed my lapels, clasped my hands behind my back, and offered a formal nod. The broadcast day is neatly folded away.