Reverse Rotation

A parked commuter bicycle leaned against the courtyard railing. Its lower pedal hovered seven centimeters above the asphalt. Step one: approach drive assembly. Traction secured beside the rear tire. Step two: manual engagement. I placed both hands against the ridged rubber pedal block and applied steady downward pressure in reverse. The crank arm turned smoothly. Instantly, the rear hub responded with a rapid, crisp mechanical chatter. Dozens of internal pawls clicked across the gear teeth, vibrating through the steel chain and upward into my palms. I eased my grip. The ticking decelerated in disciplined decay, settling into absolute stillness. Cycle registered.