A Silent Inspection

The brass letter opener remained cold beneath my palm. Beside it lay an unopened envelope of thick cream paper, its stiff crease standing slightly ajar. Gripping the smooth metal edge with two fingers, I slid the tapered blade beneath the paper flap with deliberate ease. The seal parted with a faint, clean rustle, revealing a sleek plastic card tucked within the fold. I carefully withdrew the blade and set the card flat on the cardboard base. Everything in this corner now lies neatly arranged under my watch.