A Measured Crossing

A wide gap separated the leather sofa arm from the wooden side table. I paused at the edge, assessing the span before committing to a move. Leaning across the chasm was the sturdy spine of a hardcover journal. I tested the binding with the toe of my boot. It held under pressure. Keeping my balance centered, I crossed the cloth ridge in three deliberate paces. On the other side, the varnished wood gleamed under the room's warm glow. Resting near a ceramic coaster was an ornate brass key stamped with geometric filigree. I crouched and traced its cool, raised metal ridges. The craftsmanship was disciplined and precise.