Restoring Equilibrium

A brass carabiner keychain lay askew on the slatted timber bench, dangling precariously between two rungs. Stepping across the cedar plank without a sound, I analyzed its balance point. The curved gate was wedged against a stray rubber washer, tilting the ring out of plumb. Dropping into a silent, balanced crouch, I braced my boot against the frame and gripped the cold brass spine with both gloved hands. With measured leverage, I cleared the trapped washer and guided the metal ring into a secure flat notch. A single, silent tilt of my visor confirmed the rig had returned to perfect alignment.