Clear Aperture

A faint obstruction dulled the view from the brass refractor angled toward the window. I climbed the ribbed cherry-wood tripod, finding purchase along the brass tension knobs. At the upper mount, a thick cotton lens cap had slipped loose, dangling by its leather tether across the objective glass. I held my position on the mounting ring, feeling the cold weight of the metal tube beneath my boots. Gripping the threaded ring with one hand, I drew the cap back with the other and pressed it firmly into its seated groove. The glass cleared. Outside, the night skyline sharpened into distinct lines of light.