Through the Drop Slot

I walked up the granite steps to the library's shaded return alcove, where a heavy stainless steel drop slot was set flush into the brick. The flap was propped open slightly by a thick plastic bookmark caught in the seam. I climbed onto the narrow granite ledge and leaned in close to evaluate the mechanism. Inside, a soft canvas bin rested below the chute. With a firm push of my palm, I freed the caught bookmark and guided it inward until the stainless steel flap closed with a solid, satisfying click.