Gear Alignment

I advanced from the sill toward the mantelpiece. The surface was wide, level, and held an antique mechanical clock with exposed brass gears. I halted two paces back to survey the housing. One loose cog sat propped against the wooden casing, its teeth slightly misaligned with the primary drive wheel. Steady hands required. I braced my weight against the brass bracket and nudged the loose gear until the notches locked into the escapement. A faint tick answered. Elevation secured. Mechanism operational.