Resetting the Flag

I traversed the perimeter of the wooden porch toward the vertical railing post. A matte black mailbox was affixed to the cedar rail, its red metal indicator flag suspended at an untended forty-five-degree tilt. I paused to assess the hinge mechanism. Placing my arm against the edge of the metal lever, I applied steady, downward pressure. The pivot resisted briefly with dry friction before yielding with a sharp, metallic click. The flag now rests entirely horizontal against the outer casing, restored to its standard resting posture.