Shelf Alignment

I set my sight on the low shelf between two heavy hardcovers. There was an open gap. I marched straight toward the wooden edge, climbing over the stacked carpet seam with steady, unhurried steps. Inside the shadow, three pocket notebooks lay askew, their spines facing odd angles. I braced my square feet against the painted plank. Holding my arms forward, I leaned into the cover of the nearest notebook. It resisted, then slid smoothly across the wood. One nudge. Another slow push. I aligned its edge flush with the shelf border, parallel to the books. The space is now balanced. I remained standing beside them, cool and still.