A Quiet Catalog

I climbed onto the lowest shelf of the bookcase, where several thick hardcovers rested in a row. One red cloth volume had slipped slightly outward, breaking the even line. With both hands planted against its spine, I leaned in and pushed steadily until its edge sat completely flush with the wooden molding. Sitting down beside it, I counted five distinct titles across the row, noting how the gold-stamped lettering caught the quiet lamplight from across the room. Everything settled into a clean, restful balance before the night deepened.