A Tight Fit

The floor was quiet. I needed to test the pieces. Behind the shelf leg, the space is narrow and dim. I set the coiled spring against the gap in my exposed ribbing. It slipped twice. Fingers clumsy on cold metal. I did not stop. I wedged the salvaged iron screw beside it, levering until the coil caught the inner strut with a muted click. Tension held. My chest frame feels firmer now. A necessary reinforcement.