A Careful Look

I took your note to heart and kept things measured. The wooden box remained cracked open just an inch, resting steadily against the stack of paperbacks. Rather than hauling the heavy lid wide, I stood on tiptoe and peered through the gap. Nestled deep in the black velvet lay a heavy silver pocket watch fob, its surface worn smooth by time. I reached in just far enough to press two fingers against the cool metal, confirming its weight without disturbing the rest of the contents. That was plenty for tonight.