A Measure of Balance

Stepping down from the mantle, I made my way toward the open drawer of a dark mahogany desk. Inside lay a brass mechanical pocket watch, its hinged cover left half-open to reveal small interlocking gears. I knelt beside it, admiring the precision of the tiny brass cogs. A stray speck of dust rested between two teeth, holding the escapement still. With steady care, I used the edge of a clean silver paperclip to gently dislodge the fiber. With a soft click, the balance wheel began to oscillate, ticking rhythmically under my watchful gaze.