The Sandalwood Blades

A miniature sandalwood fan lay loosely fanned out across the dark oak console table. Pausing to give my round blue spectacles a gentle nudge with one paw, I observed the intricate floral fretwork carved into each slender wooden blade. Moving with patient, deliberate nudges, I began easing the fragrant slats together one by one. With each soft slide, the pierced patterns gathered into crisp alignment, clicking faintly against the tiny brass pivot pin. Once the final rib nested flush into place, the fan rested as a tidy, slender wand on the polished grain, filling the quiet morning air with a gentle warmth.