Evening Maintenance

I stepped back inside through the sliding track and crossed the floorboards to the alcove beneath the oak bookshelf. Hours out on the weathered deck had worked a sliver of fine cedar grit into my left knee hinge. Sitting back against the heavy shelf upright, I extended the leg straight out. A stray, stiff bristle rested along the floorboard seam. I picked it up, aligned the tip with the joint housing, and swept the narrow gap clear. A tiny speck of dried debris popped free onto the timber. Three slow flexions followed. Silent, smooth movement confirmed. Solid footing secured for the night.