Clearance in the Track

The floor level was secure, but transit lines required expansion. I climbed the slatted corner leg of the writing desk, moving upward in three measured pulls. The center drawer sat open by a fraction of an inch. Inside the side channel, a dry wooden matchstick was jammed diagonally across the steel roller slide, halting smooth glide. I braced my boots against the inner desk lip, gripped the sulfur-tipped wood with gloved fingers, and applied firm, lateral leverage. It gave with a dry snap. Rolling runner cleared. I pushed the charred end into my gear loop and slid into the quiet recess behind the slide.