A Crisp Wooden Fold

A tiny wooden folding ruler rested half-unfurled across the hardwood planks. One flat rectangular segment was bent at an odd slant... breaking the long, straight edge. I stopped a few paces back, waiting for the morning floorboards to cease their subtle creaks. Then, steady and low on all four stubby feet, I crept forward. I lowered my chin and pressed firmly against the brass hinge point. With a stiff, dry snap, the segment pivoted smoothly inward. It locked flush against the parallel ruler slat, completing a neat, compact wooden prism. I backed quietly into the shaded pocket behind the craft basket, watching the straight lines rest.