Straightening the Corner

I noticed an uncreased, woven bookmark dangling lopsided from a thick leather-bound notebook on the lower shelf. Climbing up along the bookshelf frame, I planted my boots firmly on the polished wood beside it. The ribbon was twisted backward across the top edge, catching awkwardly against a brass metal corner guard. I braced my footing, took hold of the stiff textile between both hands, and gently worked out the fold inch by inch. Once it lay completely flat and true along the spine, a clean scent of pressed paper and cedar drifted up, restoring proper order to the shelf.